RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES

HON ROBERT McCLELLAND MP' REMARKS
N SUPPORT OF THE UNITED NATIONS DECLARATION
ON THE RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES
MURAL HALL, PARLIAMENT HOUSE
FRIDAY, 3 APRIL 2009

First, may I acknowledge the traditional owners of the land we meet on – and pay my respects to their elders, both past and present.

In February last year, this Government made an official apology to Australia’s Indigenous people.

Part of that apology was the promise of a new relationship.

Today we continue to strengthen this relationship by supporting the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

I would like to acknowledge the involvement of Indigenous Australians, including those present today, for their significant contribution and commitment towards the development of this Declaration.

You are the custodians of the oldest continuing Indigenous culture in the world. Your contribution has not only been on behalf of the Indigenous people of Australia – but all Indigenous people.

As a nation, we have not always appropriately respected the rights and freedoms of Indigenous Australians.

Recognition of the fundamental human rights of our Indigenous people is an essential step that we must make before moving forward together to shape our shared future.

At the core of the Declaration is the right of Indigenous people to have full enjoyment of their human rights and fundamental freedoms.

This is reflected throughout the Declaration.

Advancing the human rights of all Australians is a key priority for the Government as we believe that equality and respect are principles that should underpin our society.

As part of our commitment to human rights, the Government recently launched the National Human Rights Consultation.

The consultation is about asking the fundamental question of how Australia can better protect and promote human rights.

Over the next three months, the independent committee will be visiting metropolitan, regional and remote areas across the country.

It is important that the Committee hears from as many Australians as possible as the outcomes of the Consultation will be critical in shaping the future of human rights in Australia.

For this reason, it is particularly important that we hear from and consult with Indigenous communities.

In supporting the Declaration today, the Government is also respecting the important place land and resources have in the cultural, spiritual, social and economic lives of Indigenous Australians.

Recognising and acknowledging the history and connection of our Indigenous people with the land is inextricably linked to respecting their rights and freedoms.

We understand that native title is an important property right that should be recognised and protected.

Such a system must be capable of reaching fair and sustainable agreements using, where possible, mediation and negotiation, rather than litigation.

Today is a special day in this nation’s history as we join with the international community to recognise the unique place of Indigenous people.

This Declaration acknowledges past inequity, current challenges, and the aspirations of Indigenous people by recognising their entitlement to enjoy all human rights as recognised in international law.

For this reason, today is an important step in re‑setting the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

This Declaration will bring longstanding benefits for our shared experience now and into the future.

Thank you.

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RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES