PM’s avoidance of word ‘treaty’ today shows a lack of leadership and vision

Michael Mansell said ‘it was terribly disappointing to hear Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull deliberately avoid the use of the word ‘treaty’ when discussing constitutional recognition of Aboriginal people’. Mr Mansell said ‘it was an poignant moment for a political leader, an opportunity missed by the Prime Minister to show leadership, compassion, understanding and vision to join ALP Leader Bill Shorten in opening up talks about a treaty’.

Mr Mansell was referring to Mr Turnbull’s press conference at Perth today where the PM was asked about a treaty and said he was singularly focused on the process of recognition.

Mr Mansell added, ‘Mr Turnbull did not have to commit to any particular form of a treaty, or any particular outcome. All he was asked to do was to engage with Aboriginal people about the possibility of a treaty. There is no harm in talking.

It may be Mr Turnbull’s Coalition Party has become so accustomed to handpicked Aboriginal advisers, that now the possibility of considering new ideas, like a treaty, makes the Coalition jittery. How can Aboriginal people progress if the current Government refuses to talk?

New Zealand legislated the Treaty of Waitangi in 1975 to give it legal effect. That makes the NZ Treaty a modern one that could be considered as a precedent in Australia. New Zealanders hardly blinked an eye when the Treaty was legislated in 1975.

Australia needs political leadership at the highest level. Advancement on social and political issues cannot flow from leaders who refuse to engage with Aboriginal people about a treaty or some other prospect of advancement.

Already the Victorian Government have engaged in talks with Victorian Aborigines about a treaty this year. Two weeks ago a national gathering of 150 Aboriginals at Darwin called for a treaty. Prime Minister Turnbull must reconsider his position in order to be seen as a leader and not a prisoner of past thinking.’
Michael Mansell, Secretary, Aboriginal Provisional Government