Treaty, advisory body in works

INDIGENOUS leaders are calling for a treaty and an advisory body to provide a voice to parliament as part of their constitutional reform agenda.

Referendum Council member Dalassa Yorkston says for the first time Aboriginal people are leading the discussion on constitutional recognition at a week-long gathering in Central Australia.

More than 250 indigenous delegates from across the country have met for the Uluru summit to hammer out what amendments to the founding document might look like, in the largest meeting of its kind in 25 years. They want bold change rather than symbolism, and discussions are focusing on the prospect of an elected government advisory body and a treaty.

“It’s vital that we have a say in the policies that affect our people and our rights,” Ms Yorkston said. “An indigenous voice to parliament ... would have significant authority and staying power if it was written into the constitution.”

Aboriginal leader Warren Mundine is pushing for a network of regional groups on a grassroots level, rather than a national body to influence government decisions.

This bottom-up approach is backed by Cape York leader Noel Pearson and constitutional conservatives, including lawyer Damien Freeman and Liberal MPs Julian Leeser and Tim Wilson.

Tasmanian delegate Michael Mansell will push for a national treaty to deliver land settlements and compensation.

He says the national convention is the largest and most diverse meeting of the Aboriginal community since 1992, and the stakes are high.

“We want to make sure we properly represent the hopes and aspirations of Aboriginal people around the country by getting the job done,” he said. “If we don’t get the job done, we will have failed our own people.”

A referendum road map will be presented to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten late next month, with a final proposal to be put to voters.