Mr Stephen Robson

ISTP  -  Murdoch University PhD candidate srobson@central.murdoch.edu.au Work Tel:  360 277 Work fax:  9360 6421

Paper 30 minutes Data projector required.

Title of Proposal:   Indigenous consent and reconcililation – non-indigenous views in the federal native title debate.

150 Word Abstract of Paper / Presentation:

Indigenous consent, an acknowledgment of the distinct culture and custodianship of indigenous people are all implied by a treaty of reconciliation.  Together with calls for indigenous representation, native title recognition, recommendations arising from the Stolen Generation inquiry, they also challenge some long-standing assumptions about Australia’s constitution.

The constitutional framework was prepared in another time-indigenous people were not invited to participate or acknowledged.  In the past few years increased support has been given to a treaty of reconciliation.  In achieving a treaty, however, it will also be necessary to reflect on its key values.

The paper looks at the parliamentary debate over the federal native title legislation as a way to reflect on these values and discussed the contested meanings regarding:

• culture
• equality, and
• discrimination

The paper concludes by considering the meanings these values will need to articulate in order to achieve a treaty.