Self-government should never be taken for granted

It is not good enough to be celebrating Territory Day in late August. The recognition of key dates should not be the subject to the whim of any political leader.

The self-government of the Northern Territory was hard fought, and while this celebration is to coincide with the Wave Hill walk-off, the two events are not linked at all. They are each worthy of their own moment.

The rights associated to the historical events were delivered by conservative governments. Aboriginal land rights legislation was passed by the Fraser Government, as was the delivery of self-government. The image may be of Gough Whitlam pouring sand through Vincent Lingiari’s hand but it was the Fraser government that delivered land rights to all.

The right to determine laws and govern itself, free from the influence of Canberra-based politicians remains a substantial moment in our history. It is a right which has been under fire.

Earlier this month I set out to right a wrong and overturn the changes to the SelfGovernment Act which stops the Territory from making its own laws. Nearly 25 years changes were introduced to Federal Parliament which overturned the revolutionary euthanasia laws.

My Ensuring Territory Rights Bill 2021 does not reinstate that law but it allows the Territory Parliament to debate the law and if it chooses to implement it, then it will be able. It is only fair and right that Territorians be enabled to have the same rights as every other citizen in Australia.

To me this symbolises the importance of democracy and why we cannot allow selfgovernment to ever be taken for granted.