SKIP TO MAIN CONTENT

NT marks 30 years since 'treaty' event

Three decades on from the Barunga Statement, there's no clear sign of a political commitment to a treaty.

1 min read

Published

Source: AAP


Skip to article content

Most Australians would be familiar with the hit song Treaty by Yothu Yindi.

This year marks 30 years since the event in the Northern Territory that inspired songwriters Mandawuy and Galarrwuy Yunupingu.

Labor leader Bill Shorten will be on hand at the Barunga Festival being held near Katherine from this Friday.

Former Labor leader and prime minister Bob Hawke received the Barunga Statement on June 12, 1988, at the annual festival.

Written on bark, the statement called for Aboriginal self-management, a national system of land rights, compensation for loss of lands, respect for Aboriginal identity, an end to discrimination, and the granting of full civil, economic, social and cultural rights.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Mr Hawke said at the time he wanted to conclude a treaty by 1990, but it has not eventuated.

The festival includes music, short films, dance, sporting events, spear-making, bush tucker and children's activities.


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world