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Letters Urge Howard to Initiate Treaty Negotiations

December 2000 - ANTaR - Media Release - ATSIC Chair Geoff Clark today delivered several thousand letters to the Prime Minister, John Howard, calling on him to initiate formal negotiations leading to a treaty or framework agreement with Indigenous people.

The letters, from ordinary Australians, include the first batch of letters collected by Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation (ANTaR) as part of an ongoing campaign to convey community support for a formal treaty process. The presentation of the letters coincides with the release of the final report of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation.

"The future of the reconciliation process over the coming years will depend on a formal and meaningful negotiations process between Government and Indigenous Australians", ANTaR National Co-ordinator, Dr David Cooper, commented.

"Australia is the only former British colony which has never negotiated a treaty with the its Indigenous peoples. Treaties reduce conflict and give certainty to all parties. They are the mechanism for finding solutions which are both fair and lasting.

"It is heartening to see that the Council's final report and strategies recognise the importance of a treaty or agreements process", Dr Cooper added.

"A recent survey showing 53% support for a treaty demonstrates that ordinary Australians see the wisdom of sitting down and negotiating with Indigenous people. It’s time the Government took notice", Dr Cooper said.

"Mr Howard cannot escape the fact that the majority of Australians would prefer to see constructive talks, not a senseless stand off.

"A treaty process will give Indigenous peoples the capacity to find their own solutions.

"It is completely misguided for the Government to suggest that its so-called ‘practical reconciliation’ measures (ad hoc grants for education or health initiatives) alone could possibly achieve the kinds of positive outcomes which treaty talks would achieve", Dr Cooper said.

"True reconciliation cannot be achieved unless it addresses what Indigenous people themselves see as unfinished business. Clearly issues such as protection of rights, recognition as First Peoples and a treaty are of central importance to Indigenous people."

Media release is from Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation (ANTAR)

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