The Tasmanian Aboriginal community has weighed in on the current uncertainty over which major political party will form government by lobbying the Greens and crossbenchers to only support the major party that commits to Land returns, Treaty and new Aboriginal Heritage law

Nala Mansell said ‘Aboriginal delegates have already spoken to some cross benches and will speak to others giving them all the same message- whichever party, Liberal or Labor does not commit to the three core business for Aboriginal people do not deserve to govern’.

It means if the ALP does not commit, we are asking for a vote against Dean Winter’s no confidence motion. If the Liberals do not commit, we are asking for a vote of no-confidence against the Liberals.

If neither major Party commits to Land Return, Treaty, and Aboriginal Heritage Protection, then we will urge the Greens and Independents to abstain from voting on the no confidence motion as a sign of genuine dissatisfaction with the major Parties.

Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre Campaign Coordinator, Nala Mansell, said the community is working to ensure crossbench decisions are informed by Aboriginal priorities.

“Through conversations we have had with various crossbenchers, we are confident their decisions will be informed by us and by which major parties will support us,” Ms Mansell said.

“We’ve had discussions with Bridget Archer that give us confidence in her willingness to show leadership on these issues — but we lack confidence in Ms Archer’s support from the Liberal Party itself. We need to hear Premier Rockliff’s commitment on behalf of his Party.

“We have contacted Anita Dow of the Labor Party who is to get back to us on committing the ALP to the core issues.”

The Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre is urging all parties and crossbenchers to publicly commit to genuine action on land return, treaty negotiations, and stronger heritage protections — before any deals are struck to determine who governs Tasmania.

Nala Mansell
Campaign Manager
Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre
198 Elizabeth Street, Nipaluna/Hobart