Issues
1. Why are we talking about a treaty?
2. What might the benefits of a treaty be for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians?
3. What legal status and form could a treaty have?
4. What processes are needed to arrive at a treaty and who should be involved?
5. What are some of the reservations about a treaty?
	
1. Why are we talking about a treaty?
the mistake of terra nullius
the place of Australian Indigenous peoples under the 1901 Constitution
legitimacy for all Australians
the unfinished business of reconciliation 

2. What might the benefits of a treaty be for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians?
the recognition of past injustices
the recognition of the original sovereignty of the Indigenous peoples
the protection of Indigenous laws, cultures and languages
effective reforms for a more just society including health, housing, education and employment
legal recognition of Indigenous rights
self-determination for Indigenous people
	
3. What legal status and form could a treaty have?
an agreement under international law
an agreement protected by the Constitution
an agreement that is supported by legislation
a contract
a compact
one national treaty
a national agreement of principles that allows for treaties to be signed at the regional level
a network of regional or local treaties

4. What processes are needed to arrive at a treaty and who should be involved?
raising awareness of the issues surrounding a treaty
national debate at local, regional and national levels
election of representatives of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to discuss, debate and decide upon the principles of a treaty
negotiation with the Government to reach agreement
possible referendum to decide outcome
	
5. What are some of the reservations about a treaty?
a treaty would be divisive, Australia is one nation
financial compensation would be demanded, to whom would it be paid and by whom
inequity, different laws for different people
a treaty would affect the citizen status of Indigenous peoples 
with legislation now ensuring equal rights the need for a treaty has past	
Issues for group discussion