True Reconciliation Requires a Treaty

Terra nullius was long ago exposed as a myth – and this was enshrined in law with the Mabo case in 1992.

If we acknowledge that Australia was colonised on a lie, then what should we do about it? How do we compensate for that centuries-old theft? It’s too late to reverse, but official recognition of the sovereign rights of Indigenous Australians is well overdue. True reconciliation between Indigenous and immigrant Australians is impossible without addressing past wrongs – you can’t heal a wound without treating it. But how do we do that? Many believe that a treaty is essential – our neighbour New Zealand and contemporary Canada have established treaties, recognised by the UN. Others think it’s enough to implement constitutional change that recognises indigenous cultures, languages and peoples.

We’ll debate the need for a treaty – and the way to achieve true reconciliation – with a passionate panel of experts.

Chaired by Wheeler Centre director Michael Williams.

Speaking for the proposition:

• Professor George Williams AO: leading constitutional lawyer and public commentator, professor of law at the University of New South Wales, former High Court barrister, columnist for the Sydney Morning Herald.
• Mark Yettica-Paulson: leadership facilitator specialising in engagement and partnership with Indigenous Australia.
• Professor Mick Dodson AM: director of the National Centre for Indigenous Studies at the Australian National University, Professor of law at the ANU College of Law, and 2009 Australian of the Year.

Speaking against the proposition:

• Professor Peter Sutton: author, anthropologist and linguist, affiliate professor in the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Adelaide and the Division of Anthropology at the South Australian Museum.
• Tony Birch: author of the Miles Franklin-shortlisted novel Blood and other books; writing teacher with an interest in community outreach.
• Gregory Phillips: medical anthropologist, executive director ABSTARR Consulting, adjunct senior lecturer in Aboriginal Health at Monash University and co-founder of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Healing Foundation.

Tweet at this event: #iq2oz

Intelligence Squared Debates

The Wheeler Centre and St James Ethics Centre combine again in 2013 to bring you a brand new series of Intelligence Squared debates.

Established in 2002, IQ2 has spread across the globe, bringing the traditional form of Cambridge and Oxford Unions-style debating – with two sides proposing and opposing a sharply formed motion – to Melbourne Town Hall.