Return to Policy Overview

Treaty

1. Establish a Treaty Organisation

The Science Party First Nations Treaty policy is to establish a treaty organisation to develop treaties for ratification by parliament and Indigenous groups throughout Australia. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have endured property, sovereignty, cultural and resource losses, and inhumane treatment that leads directly to lower standards of living today, compared to the broader Australian population. The Science Party believes that this reality should be respected in parliament and in all laws and decisions that we make as a nation.

Australia is the only nation in the commonwealth that does not have a treaty with its Indigenous peoples. A mature nation must recognise its past. The wealth of this country is in part due to the land that was taken from First Nations people and yet, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples continue to be marginalised to a point that they are least likely to be able to take advantage of wealth and opportunity in this country.

2. Articles for discussion

These separate treaties developed and implemented by the Treaty organisation will discuss real and meaningful agreements with governments and traditional owners and groups. The organisation might discuss:

  1. First nations government(s) and self determination;

  2. Aboriginal embassy;

  3. A review of Aboriginal inhabited, and Crown lands to increase control and autonomy by removing restrictions on land use and establishing a land title with high permissiveness;

  4. Constitutional recognition;

  5. Critical review and update of our cultural identity including locations, imagery, names, national anthem, flag and protocols;

  6. Indigenous language, culture, arts and history integration into formal education across the country;

  7. More representation in official government processes; and

  8. Appropriate compensation for indigenous groups for various injustices, such as land theft and stolen generations.

This is just a start however. A treaty organisation would develop the appropriate articles with the various leaders and groups.