National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Forum 2022 was held from Thursday 28 to Saturday 30 July
in Naarm on the country of the Boon Wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation. Boon Wurrung Elder, Aunty Janet Galpin gave a warm welcome to all attending National Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander Forum, with detailed background on the history and culture of the Boon Wurrung.
For the first-time since 2019, National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Forum was held in-person, with forty three registered delegates, observers, elected officials, and staff participating across the three-days. An online attendance option to attend National Forum for delegates who were unable to travel to Naarm was also offered.
Members at the National Forum
The theme of this year’s National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Forum was Respecting culture, reflecting on change, and reinforcing our rights, and throughout the course of the National Forum, delegates discussed a range of topics related to this theme, including the Uluru Statement and the proposal for a voice to parliament, nomenclature, NTEU code of conduct and motions for NTEU National Council 2022.
A range of guest speakers addressed National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Forum, including Senator Lidia Thorpe (Greens Senator for Victoria), international guests Vicki Young (TEUNZ/University of Waikato) and Megan Morris (TEUNZ), along with presentations from the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Higher Education Consortium (NATSIHEC) and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Postgraduate Association (NATSIPA).
Greens Senator Lidia Thorpe addresses the Forum
The Yarn/feedback session was conducted on the first day of the National Forum, with delegates speaking to a range of important matters on campus, and a session on bargaining training and negotiation tactics was conducted to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander delegates and members during the current round of bargaining.
Outcomes from National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Forum 2022 include:
- A motion on nomenclature, resulting in the development and circulation of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander member online survey to determine the appropriate terminology for NTEU.
- Motions from the floor of National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Forum for consideration by National Council 2022, including:
- NTEU 10 Point Plan for a Post-Treaty Union
- Indigenous Student Success Program Investigation
- Uluru Statement
- United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and ownership of cultural properties and knowledges
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Forum 2022 was successful in achieving a number of important outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members, peoples and the NTEU. The NTEU Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Policy Committee and Team sincerely thank all those who attended and participated in this year’s National Forum.
Dates for National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Forum 2023 will be publicised when confirmed.
Adam Frogley
Director, NTEU Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Unit