Ex-mayor seeking debate on treaty
FORMER Yarrabah mayor Mala Neal has called for a treaty between First Nations Australians and all levels of government.
It has been 30 years since the Mabo High Court decision that overturned the concept of terra nullius (a legal definition meaning “nobody’s land”) and led to the Native Title Act, which created a framework that recognised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have rights to certain land.
Mr Neal has used the timing of the anniversary, as well as the 10-year run-up for Brisbane hosting the Olympic Games in 2032, to call for a treaty.
“It’s time,” Mr Neal said.
“The time has come to keep the government honest.”
Mr Neal commended state government efforts to create unity with First Nations people, but said it was useless without the participation of the federal government.
“We need a bipartisan approach,” Mr Neal said.
He said Indigenous people would like to see a treaty enshrined in the constitution and the first step was to have a conversation between First Nations representatives and the state and federal governments.
“Transgenerational pain and trauma is still there,” Mr Neal said.
“We are still suffering and we will not heal.”
He urged people to use Australia Day as a time to reflect as a nation to work together towards reconciliation.
Bringing the issue to federal parliament, Mr Neal will be peacefully rallying in Canberra from January 21-28.
“We’re calling on our people to come together,” he said.
“As the NAIDOC theme for this year says, get up, stand up, show up!”