<
https://theconversation.com/the-lie-of-aqua-nullius-nobodys-water-prevails-in-australia-indigenous-water-reserves-are-not-enough-to-deliver-justice-195557>
"When the British colonised Australia they assumed
terra nullius, “nobody’s
land”, and
aqua nullius, “nobody’s water”. In 1992,
terra nullius was
overturned – but
aqua nullius remains.
Aqua nullius denies the existence of Indigenous peoples’ own water governance
principles, laid down through ancestral “first laws”. These customary laws are
carried through songlines, trade routes and ceremony, embedded in a deep
reciprocal economy of sharing. First laws guide the custodianship of living
waters, with attention to intergenerational equity.
Living waters – from rivers, to ancient aquifers to wetlands – are sacred and
alive. As the source of energy to animate Country, living waters are critical
to Indigenous Peoples’ collective survival. The responsibility of caring for
waters (and land) are a central concern of Indigenous Peoples – but this
responsibility is thwarted by
aqua nullius.
Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia have sought to distribute
water rights to Indigenous people by establishing “Indigenous (or Aboriginal)
water reserves”, setting aside a portion of water from the consumptive pool for
Indigenous people’s future use.
In our new policy brief, we unpack the benefits and limitations of these
reserves. As it stands, the policy measure alone does not deliver justice for
Indigenous peoples. A broader approach is needed."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
