The man tasked with delivering the Northern Territory's roadmap to a Treaty with First Nations peoples says the rest of Australia is watching the process with interest.
Tony McAvoy SC has been unveiled as the Territory's Acting Treaty Commissioner and will commence duties in the New Year.
He replaces Professor Mick Dodson, who was forced to resign earlier this year amid allegations he verbally abused a woman at a Darwin football game.
Mr McAvoy will have three months to deliver a report to government outlining the path to Treaty.
"I think that there is a huge opportunity to show some national leadership in relation to how Treaties might be dones" he said.
"We have a Treaty process which is in its infancy in Queensland, and in Victoria the Treaty process is going down the path of a Truth and Justice Commission to inform their Treaty processes.
"The framework that was set out in the Northern Territory Treaty discussion paper probably is the most advanced articulation of a framework for negotiations of Treaties that exists and I hope that we can build with that."
Mr McAvoy is no stranger to the Territory, having served as co-counsel assisting the Coroner during the Royal Commission into Youth Detention. He's also provided extensive legal advice regarding Treaty matters interstate.
"The opportunity to participate in this very important part of the futures for Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory is amazing," he said.
"I wouldn't have imagined growing up as a young Aboriginal lad in Brisbane that I would have the opportunity to participate in this way."
The NT's two largest land councils have warmly welcomed Mr McAvoy's appointment, which comes seven months after Professor Dodson stepped down.
“It is a proud day to see the Treaty process taking a step forward, and the Northern Land Council will support comprehensive on ground engagement and consultation with Aboriginal people,” Northern Land Council Chairman Samuel Bush-Blanasi said.
“As a Wirdi man with a lifetime of lived experience, he deeply understands the challenges that Aboriginal people have faced and still continue to face.
"We know he will listen well to our mob, stand up for our people and accurately represent the many voices of Aboriginal Territorians in the treaty process with the Northern Territory.”
