Michael Mansell Calls for Albanese to Resurrect Treaty Talks

Media release – Michael Mansell, 4 May 2025

MICHAEL MANSELL CALLS FOR ALBANESE TO RESURRECT TREATY TALKS

The overwhelming election result paves the way for Prime Minister Albanese to recommit to his promise of a treaty.

Former Tasmanian Land Council Chairman Michael Mansell acknowledged the referendum loss on the Voice spooked the Albanese government into dropping its promise for a treaty. “But the election result paves a clear path for the Albanese government to get treaty talks back front and center.”

Mr Mansell said “Land Councils from the Top End to Tasmania are ready to send a delegation to see the Prime Minister about beginning treaty talks. Aboriginal people have always accepted that a national treaty is far better than state treaties – there is one standard of justice that is applied instead of 6 different standards. With state treaties some Aborigines will get something while others get nothing. A national treaty that delivers land returns and empowerment ensures most Aborigines benefit.

The first step is to get the PM to recommit. Mr Albanese was always positive about a treaty following a successful referendum on the Voice. When the Voice failed to gain broad support, the Prime Minister felt he lacked a mandate to pursue a treaty. The election outcome gives the PM a clear mandate to pursue a treaty.

We will call on the PM to legislate a treaty process that requires broad consultation throughout the country. Based on the consultation, Parliament can proceed with a national treaty which binds states and federal governments, the courts and law enforcement, empowers Aboriginal communities to take greater control over their communities, and returns stolen lands over a period of time.”

Note: Michael Mansell was nominated by the national gathering at Eva Valley in 1992 to negotiate native title laws with Prime Minister Keating, is a retired practicing lawyer and former chair of the Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania.

Tasmanian Times (TT) is a community-based news and current affairs service covering the island state of Tasmania. It exists to provide a diverse view of Tasmanian issues. TT creates and supports independent media content utilising the best of modern technologies and tried-and-true practices of public-interest journalism.

Support us in expanding our coverage and developing new content by and for Tasmanians.