Indigenous Affairs

🇦🇺 Indigenous Affairs & the Dual Sovereign Model

A New Way Forward – Honouring Custodianship, Preserving Heritage, Empowering the Future

Australia stands at a crossroads. For too long, reconciliation has been symbolic, not structural. It’s time for meaningful change — not just words, but sovereignty. The Advance Australia Party is proud to propose a bold and respectful step forward:

The Dual Sovereign Model

🔹 What Is the Dual Sovereign Model?

The Dual Sovereign Model recognises two complementary sources of sovereign authority in modern Australia:

The British Crown, retained in a ceremonial and symbolic role, preserving Australia’s historical and constitutional heritage.
The First Nations of Australia, vested with functional sovereignty, enshrined through real parliamentary power and a reformed process for selecting the Governor-General.

This model does not divide Australia — it unifies us under truth, justice, and continuity.

🔹 Key Policy Commitments

1. Constitutional Recognition and Treaty Development

Formally recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples and traditional custodians of Australia.
Commit to treaty processes led by and for Indigenous communities, with local and national frameworks.

2. Structural Sovereignty and Governance Reform

Introduce guaranteed Indigenous seats in Parliament:
- 7 seats in the Senate
- 8 seats in the House of Representatives
These 15 representatives form the Council of Elders tasked with:
- Electing the Governor-General
- Upholding cultural, ethical, and sovereign accountability
The Governor-General will be:
- Nominated by the Council of Elders
- Formally appointed by the King, maintaining symbolic monarchy
- Empowered to dismiss the Prime Minister only in cases of proven criminal misconduct while in office (not ideological disagreement)

3. Justice Reform

Shift focus from punishment to rehabilitation for non-violent offences
Support early intervention, cultural healing programs, and community-led diversion

4. Educational Equity

Guarantee equal access to quality education, vocational training, and university pathways for Indigenous Australians
Embed Indigenous knowledge and languages into the national curriculum

🔹 Why Retain the Monarchy?

We honour Australia’s constitutional heritage by maintaining the ceremonial role of the monarchy, while acknowledging that true moral and cultural authority lies with those who have cared for this land for over 60,000 years.

🔹 A Future Rooted in Truth

The Dual Sovereign Model is not about erasing the past — it’s about integrating it with truth-telling, recognition, and structural empowerment.

It’s time for real power-sharing, built on trust and partnership — not just consultation.

Advance Australia Party stands for a nation where:

Sovereignty is shared.
Voices are empowered.
And our future is built on truth, justice, and unity.