Indigenous peoples need greater control of their own destiny or, as it is sometimes described, a right to self-determination.

Self-determination is a well-recognised universal human right of all peoples. It can be defined as the right of distinct groups of peoples, with a shared culture and history, to pursue their lifestyle and culture in a manner consistent with their own traditions.

Australians as a nation have the right to self-determination. This means having a decisive say in how we live, now and in the future.

The Australian Government exercises self-determination for all Australians when it makes legal, defence and trading arrangements with other countries. In our everyday lives we also exercise self-determination when we make important decisions about our lives, and on important matters through organisations such as school Parents & Citizens Associations, sporting organisations or local residents' associations.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, as distinct groups within this nation, also have the right to self-determination. This includes the right to maintain and pass on cultures, languages and traditions. It also means the right to manage resources and create wealth on traditional lands. For some people, self-determination means self management, where indigenous people control policy making and delivery of programs and services to communities.

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) is an example of how indigenous peoples can exercise self-determination and control key issues affecting community well-being. The Torres Strait Regional Authority was created to give the traditional inhabitants of the Torres Strait more control over their own affairs.

Economic independence and self-sufficiency are key factors in self-determination, relieving indigenous people from reliance on governments. Co-management arrangements in national parks, joint ventures in tourism and other industries and community-based enterprises are examples of how indigenous peoples can gain economic independence and therefore greater control over their lives.

The challenge here is to work out more and better ways for indigenous peoples to achieve self-determination within a united Australian nation. Ideas and initiatives can come from local, regional, state/territory or national level, but at any level the task requires imagination, flexibility and a spirit of partnership.