What is the value of the Declaration to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples?
The Declaration is a positive, aspirational document that sets out ambitions for a new partnership and relationship between Indigenous peoples and the government. The Declaration: • affirms that indigenous peoples make a unique contribution to the diversity and richness of civilisations and cultures, and promotes cultural diversity and understanding; • explicitly encourages harmonious and cooperative relations between States and indigenous peoples, as well as mechanisms to support this at the international and national levels; and • is based upon principles of partnership, consultation and cooperation between indigenous peoples and States. This is consistent with the aspirations expressed by the current Australian Government through the National Apology, the Statement of Intent to Close the Gap and in supporting the establishment of a new National Indigenous Representative Body.
