Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Katie Kiss has welcomed the appointment of the NSW Treaty Commissioners announced today.
“These appointments are a milestone in the beginning of the truth and treaty process in NSW,” Commissioner Kiss said.
“I congratulate the NSW Government in taking this crucial step and working with the community towards self-determination and healing.”
Appointed for two-year terms, the Treaty Commissioners are former senator Aden Ridgeway, academic Todd Fernando and Koori Mail newspaper editor Naomi Moran.
The Commissioners will work with Australia’s largest Aboriginal population to hear whether they want a treaty process, and if they do, what form it would take.
Treaty discussions in Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania, the Northern Territory and the ACT have highlighted the need to improve service delivery and to close the gap.
“However, treaty and truth-telling is also about reframing and repairing relationships. It has the potential to set a solid foundation for the future, based on recognition and respect,” Commissioner Kiss said.
Commissioner Kiss also welcomed today’s release of the provided by the Coalition of Aboriginal Peak Organisations (CAPO) to progress the development of a NSW Independent Aboriginal-led Government Accountability Mechanism.
“These recommendations have been informed by Aboriginal people in NSW, and demonstrate the involvement of our people in decisions that affect us. I look forward to seeing further progress in other jurisdictions,” Commissioner Kiss said.
