Aboriginal Provisional Government facts for kids
Aboriginal Provisional Government logo
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| Abbreviation | APG |
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| Formation | 1990 |
| Type | Aboriginal organisation |
| Legal status | Active |
| Purpose | Advocate and public voice, educator and network |
| Headquarters | Tasmania, Australia |
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Region served
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Australia |
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Official language
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English |
| Website | Aboriginal Provisional Government |
The Aboriginal Provisional Government (APG) is an important group in Australia. It was formed by Indigenous Australians who wanted their own independent government. They believe Aboriginal people should have the right to make their own decisions about their future.
Contents
The APG's Journey
The Aboriginal Provisional Government (APG) is a group that works for the rights and self-determination of Aboriginal people in Australia. It was created because many Aboriginal leaders felt it was time to move beyond just land issues. They wanted a group that could speak for Aboriginal people on a wider range of topics.
How the Idea Started
The idea for an Aboriginal government began in 1990. Some Aboriginal leaders met in the Northern Territory. They felt that Aboriginal people needed a stronger voice. They wanted a new group that would help Aboriginal people move towards governing themselves. The word "Provisional" was used because this group would help with the change. It was not meant to govern people right away. Instead, it would be a political group. Its goal was to help Aboriginal people achieve self-determination. This means having the power to make their own choices.
Many important people helped start the APG. These included Bob Weatherall, Josie Crawshaw, Geoff Clark, Clarrie Isaacs, Michael Mansell, Robbie Thorpe, Kathy Craigie, and Lyall Munro Jnr.
Early ideas for the APG were shaped by the work of other Aboriginal leaders. For example, Charles Perkins led "freedom rides" in NSW. He also spoke out against politicians. His actions inspired younger APG members. The APG's ideas also came from powerful writings. These included "Treaty 88" by Kevin Gilbert. Poetry by Oodgeroo Noonuccal and Jack Davis also played a role. Legal efforts by Paul Coe to claim Aboriginal sovereignty in 1978 also influenced the group.
Forming the APG
News about the APG's formation spread quickly. The group first announced its creation in 1990 in Sydney. In 1992, the APG held a big meeting in Hobart, Tasmania. At this meeting, they set up an Elders Council. This council was led by Joe McGuiness from Queensland. He was a strong supporter of the 1967 referendum for Aboriginal rights.
The APG also issues its own Aboriginal passports. They also provide Aboriginal birth certificates. These passports are a way for Aboriginal people to show their national identity. Young Aboriginal people often use them as an identity document. Birth certificates are issued so that Aboriginal children do not have to be registered with the Australian government. Jack Davis, a famous Aboriginal poet, allowed the APG to use part of his poem. His words about an Aboriginal nation are printed on the APG's official letters.
Working with the Australian Government
The Australian government did not always want to work with the APG. This was because the APG said it would only meet with the government on an equal basis. They did not want to be seen as just a lobby group.
However, some APG members did meet with Prime Minister Paul Keating. This was to discuss new laws about native title. Michael Mansell was involved in these talks. He had been chosen by many Aboriginal people to protect the gains made in the Mabo High Court case. This case recognized Aboriginal land rights. Mansell later refused to sign the final law. He felt it did not fully protect Aboriginal native title.
Later, Geoff Clark, who was a leader in the APG, became the national head of ATSIC. ATSIC was a government body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Clark pushed for a treaty within ATSIC. A treaty is a formal agreement between nations. Many people supported this idea. ATSIC even created a committee and published a document called 'Let's Treaty Now'. But when John Howard became Prime Minister, he made it harder to get native title. He also closed down ATSIC. The idea of a treaty then stopped for a while.
The APG has published four important books. These books cover topics like Aboriginal government, national conferences, the Australian Constitution, and the Mabo case.
What the APG Believes
The APG believes that Aboriginal people were a sovereign people before 1788. This was when white settlers arrived in Australia. They argue that nothing has changed this sovereign status. Because they are a distinct people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have the right to self-determination. This means they have the right to choose their own future. The APG believes this choice is not limited to being under white government control. They see Aboriginal people as equals among the nations of the world. They are not just citizens of the "invader" country.
The APG understands that different groups might choose different paths. Some might want to blend in. Others might want to manage their own affairs. Some might want to be like Native American nations in the US. Others might want to be a 7th State of Australia. Or they might want a completely independent Aboriginal government. The APG believes Aboriginal people are free to choose. They can work in partnership with Australia or be politically independent.
The APG encourages Aboriginal groups to use programs like reconciliation, land rights, or native title. But they also say that people should not forget their bigger goals beyond welfare. The APG strongly opposes Aboriginal advisory bodies. They believe white politicians should not decide the future of Aboriginal people. The APG also rejected some suggested changes to the Australian Constitution. They felt these changes promoted white superiority. For example, they suggested English should be the official language. In New Zealand, Maori is also an official language. The APG felt the suggestions did not mention Aboriginal sovereignty at all. The APG wants the Constitution to say: "Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders have the right to self-determination."
See Also
- Aboriginal Tent Embassy (est. 1972)
- Australian Indigenous Sovereignty
- Murrawarri Republic (est. 2013)
