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1. How much land do the Aboriginals have in Victoria?
In Victoria Aboriginals have rights to 0.01% of the land. Ironically, this portion of land which was handed back after the treaty, was significantly less than the land the Aboriginals had when they were forced to live in the missionaries.
2. Who is Les Malezer?
Les Malezer is an advocate for indigenous rights and won the human rights medal in 2008.
3. What are the International obligations of the Australian Government?
The Australian government is under the United Nations charter for Indigenous Rights, which outlines what countries are required to do in order to fulfil their obligations to indigenous people.
4. What is the outcome he is after?
Lez Malezer is calling for land rights for indigenous people rather than merely native title. The native title outcome currently put into place by the government recognises Aborginals and Torres Straight Islanders as the traditional owners of this land, however doesn't give land back to these groups. With a land rights scheme, these indigenous groups can apply for land to be returned for their use in traditional way, preserving their culture.
5. What did he say about the Treaty?
Lez discusses that the Australian government is not fulfilling its human rights obligations and needs to revamp what it is doing. He explains that the government needs to revise its laws, and discuss with Indigenous Australians what they are doing before making decisions. He explains how it is essential for a lands rights process to be made as it allows Indigenous Australians to reclaim land that was once theirs, rather than native title which merely recognises Aboriginals and Torres Straight Islanders as traditional owners.
6. Name some of the rights he talks about?
The right to land resources
The right to political decisions
The right to form our own governments
7. What is the problem with a treaty?
The first problem is being able to get the Australian government to even be willing to listen and consider a treaty.
The second issue is who represents Aboriginal people at a treaty meeting, with over 300 clans with different leaders and needs.
Lez sees a treaty as a question as to how to do the treaty, not whether do the treaty. What should be offered, how much should be offered and how could it be put into place.
8. Who are the people that make a difference?
Courts and governments are the areas that make a difference. Aboriginals need to show there is value to a lands rights process and by persuading the court to set a law, it governs the all of Australia.
9. What is the culture he mentions?
Lez mentions political culture. He outlines that Aboriginals need to change political culture where currently one party is for aboriginal land rights and the other opposes. They need bipartisan support for laws to pass through quickly to make a significant difference.
10. Why was the interview held in the MCG?
The interview was held at the MCG because the Eddie Mabo lecture is held there annually; bringing a cultural significance as both men are fighting at different times for different causes, ultimately for the same goal.