Up next
Author
Share this @internewscast.com
FacebookXRedditPinterest
The federal government seems to have quietly sidelined a national truth-telling commission, instead monitoring the progress within states.
Anthony Albanese pledged full support for the Uluru Statement from the Heart when he became prime minister in 2022.
Although the Voice to Parliament referendum did not succeed, the government had previously pledged to form a Makarrata Commission to guide truth-telling and treaty-making, with $5.8 million allocated for its creation last year.

Currently, however, the government acknowledges that “we are not working on a specific proposal around a Makarrata Commission”.

A woman with blonde hair and dark-framed glasses and wearing a blue shirt sits at a table

Greens leader Larissa Waters has questioned whether the Albanese government is advancing its truth-telling commitment. Source: AAP / Lukas Coch

Greens leader Larissa Waters quizzed the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) about the status of the funding in Senate estimates on Tuesday morning.

The NIAA revealed that much of the funding had been drawn into a contingency fund, with the agency financing a part-time salary to monitor progress in other states.
It came after Waters questioned whether the NIAA had made a budget submission for renewed funding or for other truth-telling mechanisms.
“So you’ve gone from $5.8 million for the Makaratta truth telling to now half a person looking at what other jurisdictions are doing,” Waters responded.
“Primarily, the work the branch is doing is looking at what’s going on around other jurisdictions,” NIAA acting deputy CEO Deborah Fulton told the committee.
“Half a person?” Waters asked.
Fulton replied: “Essentially, yes.”
Fulton said the organisation was administering other programs, like the Stolen Generations Redress Scheme, which provides financial compensation and healing to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people removed from their families.
Ahead of this year’s Garma Festival, Yolngu leader and chair of the Yothu Yindi Foundation Djawa Yunupingu told SBS News that truth-telling at a national level was a top priority.
However, Albanese did not endorse support for a broad truth-telling process during his speech at Garma, instead praising Victoria’s progress.

“As a nation, we are still grappling with the complete truth and impact of this exclusion,” he stated, while commending the efforts of Victoria’s Yoorrook Justice Commission.
In July, the nation’s first truth-telling inquiry handed down its final report, containing 100 recommendations for urgent change.
“Even as we continue on the long journey of understanding our past, we must meet our responsibility to the future,” Albanese said.
Albanese instead used his Garma address to focus on “economic sovereignty” through the establishment of new partnerships between government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations.

SBS News understands the Greens will reintroduce their Truth and Justice Commission bill in this term of parliament, but the exact timing is unclear.

‘The government should stick to its promise’

Independent senator Lidia Thorpe urged the government to “honor its promise” and establish a national commission during this term, informing SBS News that truth-telling “is crucial for this country to confront its historical truth openly — without it, we can never truly develop as a nation.”
Independent senator Lidia Thorpe in parliament, speaking with her hand raised and wearing a black T-shirt depicting a logo promoting climate justice that includes the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags.

Independent senator Lidia Thorpe said the truth-telling commission should have royal commission powers. Source: AAP / Mick Tsikas

“The Prime Minister was full of praise for Yoorrook at Garma, but he refuses to act nationally,” she said in a statement. “He can’t hide behind the failed Voice referendum.”

Truth-telling must come first, Thorpe said, “so people in this country can learn the true history. Until that happens, we’ll keep seeing racism and misinformation spread about First Peoples”.
Share this @internewscast.com
FacebookXRedditPinterest
You May Also Like

Major Gaming Companies Under Scrutiny for Rising Child Safety Concerns

Major video game companies could face fines approaching $50 million if they…
The Budget is setting aside $90.6million to boost the number of skilled workers in the construction sector (pictured are construction workers at Parramatta in Sydney's west)

Federal Budget 2024: Critics Label It as Vote-Buying Strategy, While PM Remains Tight-Lipped on Election Date

Anthony Albanese is sidestepping inquiries about the possibility of an early election,…

States Push Back on NDIS Changes Amid Concerns Over Financial Burden

In brief: The federal health minister has announced a raft of changes…
Maddicyn Brokenshire was overcome with worry after finding out her son, Ollyver, was battling Amniotic Band Syndrome (ABS)

Mother’s Instincts Spot Rare Condition in Womb, Leaving Baby Boy with Scars

While most parents believe their child is unique, Maddicyn Brokenshire has compelling…

Iranian Gunboat Engages Container Ship Near Oman; Another Vessel Attacked Near Iran

In brief: Iran has fired at a container ship transiting the Strait…
Disney + informed Australian customers of the price change in an email today.

Disney+ Shakes Up Streaming with Another Price Hike: What Subscribers Need to Know

Australian Disney+ subscribers are set to pay more for their streaming plans…
The rugby community in Waikato, New Zealand has been thrown into mourning by the sudden death of sportswoman Courtney Johansen (pictured)

Football Community Honors Cherished 29-Year-Old Coach Following Tragic Loss of Her and Unborn Child Due to Undiagnosed Health Issue

Heartfelt tributes have emerged for a New Zealand athlete who tragically passed…
Richard Pusey

Richard Pusey Files Lawsuit Against Victoria Police Over Fatal Eastern Freeway Incident

Victoria Police will defend itself in court after Porsche driver Richard Pusey…

Surge in Rodent Population Poses New Challenges for Australian Farmers

in brief Mouse numbers are thought to have hit plague proportions in…
These photos of Harry and Meghan could land Aussies in hot water

Aussies Face Legal Risks Over Unauthorized Harry and Meghan Photos: What You Need to Know

Exclusive: Small businesses jumping on a seemingly harmless celebrity AI trend could…
Dingoes attack young girl and mother at popular campsite

Shocking Dingo Encounter: Mother and Daughter Attacked at Beloved Campsite

A young girl and her mother are the latest in a string…
Lee Lovell (right) has opened up about life without his beloved wife Emma (left), who was stabbed to death on Boxing Day 2022

Emma Lovell’s Tragic Stabbing: Lee Lovell Reflects on Wife’s Death at North Lakes Residence and the Two Words That Altered Their Family’s Future

A heartbroken husband has spoken about the devastating moment his world was…