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Northern Land Council disappointed by NTG decision to abandon Territory Treaty
The Northern Land Council (NLC) is disappointed and incredibly frustrated that Treaty is off the agenda in the Northern Territory.
The NLC supported plans for a Territory Treaty when it was first announced back in 2018 by the former NT Government.
The landmark 2018 Barunga Statement - signed by all four NT Land Councils and the NT Government - was a pillar of hope towards creating a better and more equitable future for all Territorians.
Despite the initial announcement, years of stalled action from the former NT Government resulted in a missed opportunity to make meaningful progress on Treaty in the NT.
This latest announcement is another example of successive governments dismissing the voices of Aboriginal people across the Northern Territory and their fight for self-determination.
The NLC looks forward to meeting with Government Ministers on a way forward.
Quotes attributed to the NLC Chair, Matthew Ryan:
“This announcement by the NT Government is a final blow to what has been a drawn out and frustrating path to achieving a Territory Treaty.
“It was only 12 months ago that the former NT Government announced a reboot of Territory Treaty negations, a move which was welcomed by the NLC.
“Treaty-making was never going to be easy. It’s long and complex, but we were committed to working alongside the NT Government to creating something that would benefit all Territorians.
“We have always said that Aboriginal people on the ground have the answers, but over and over again governments on all sides have chosen not to listen.”