Aborigines from across Tasmania have met to discuss the Liberal Governments offer of a truth telling commission following the recent announcement that the Government will no longer be progressing Treaty.
The Statewide community meeting held in Launceston has reaffirmed the Tasmanian Aboriginal community’s unwavering call for action beyond truth-telling, declaring that now is the time for the government to return land, restore decision-making authority, and recognise our cultural sovereignty.
Convened by the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre the meeting brought together Elders, community leaders, and members from across the island including Cape Barren Island to discuss the path forward for Aboriginal justice in Lutruwita/Tasmania.
The Tasmanian Aboriginal community has long called for binding commitments from governments, not just symbolic gestures or consultation. The meeting echoed the community’s demand for Aboriginal-led and genuine agreements that deliver tangible outcomes and recognise the rightful place of Palawa people as the original and ongoing owners of this land.
“This is not a new conversation,” [Nala Mansell, Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre Campaigns Manager] said. “We’ve been calling for land justice, heritage protection and self-determination for decades. We are not interested in processes that go nowhere.
Truth must be followed by action.
The Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre will continue to lead and support community discussions across the state, building momentum for a future grounded in justice, recognition, and the return of what has been stolen from us.
Nala Mansell
Campaign Manager
Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre
198 Elizabeth Street, Nipaluna/Hobart
nala.m@tacinc.com.au
6234 0707
0428 662 228
