The Territory has reached a settlement with Mr Paul House and Ms Leah House, in relation to a matter recently brought before the Supreme Court under the Human Rights Act 2004 (ACT).
We thank all those involved in the matter for their constructive conversations and input throughout the settlement process.
In 2002 the ACT Government, following community consultation and acting on the advice of the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, acknowledged the Ngunnawal people as the traditional custodians of the ACT.
This acknowledgement was subsequently formalised in an Indigenous Protocol, which has been used to guide the ACT Public Service and community in recognising the First People of this land.
The ACT Government recognises the right of Aboriginal people to self-determination and that there is re-emerging knowledge about their history and connections with the land.
We acknowledge that individuals and families who identify as Ngambri (Kamberri) have determined that they are traditional custodians of land within the ACT and surrounding regions, and that other people and families may also identify as having a traditional connection to this land.
The Territory acknowledges that Paul Girrawah House and Leah House, as well as other members of the Ngambri (Kamberri) people including those who they have called as witnesses in their case, have suffered hurt and distress as a result of the ACT Indigenous Protocol. This includes the way in which that Protocol has been implemented by some ACT Government Agencies.
The Territory apologises to the Plaintiffs, their witnesses, and other members of the Ngambri (Kamberri) community for the hurt and distress which they have suffered.
The ACT Government has agreed to undertake a comprehensive review of the Indigenous Protocol. The ACT Government will seek community input to any change through a community led consultation and engagement process.
The ACT Government will have an interim Indigenous Protocol while this consultation and engagement process is underway. The Indigenous Protocol website will be updated within the next two weeks to reflect this change.
In the 2022-23 Budget, the ACT Government committed $3 million from the Healing and Reconciliation Fund for a community engagement and healing process. The review of the Indigenous Protocol will form part of this process and we will engage closely with the First Nations community and traditional custodian families to ensure this is done in an inclusive way that supports healing in the local community.
While this process is underway, the Government will continue to acknowledge the Ngunnnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT while also recognising any other people or families with connection to the ACT and region.
These proceedings have involved issues which are complex and deeply personal for many and we thank everyone involved for their willingness to engage with the Territory’s representatives to reach this settlement.
We look forward to continuing to work with First Nations communities and people through the community engagement and healing process.
