The idea, suggested by the Prime Minister's Indigenous affairs advisor Warren Mundine, is being met with fierce resistance from Indigenous communities and opposition leaders.
Opposition spokesman Shayne Neumann says there is not bi-partisan support for this defining moment in Indigenous affairs.
“The idea of the federal government negotiating with hundreds of local Aboriginal nations is impractical and I don’t think it will have the support of the Australian public, I think it will cost a lot of money and I think it will irrigate from the close the gap initiatives,” said Mr Neumann.
Australia’s newly appointed governor-general, Peter Cosgrove says treaty negotiations will be dealt with by the government and not him.
“All these ideas from intelligent and thoughtful people like Warren Mundine are matters for government, I think my job is to be an avid reader of that but not necessarily opining,” said Mr Cosgrove.Mr Cosgrove will begin his new role in March.
