The crucial importance of self determination to Aboriginal and Tortes Strait Islander peoples is little appreciated by non-indigenous Australians. Correctly understood, every issue concerning the historical and present status, entitlements, treatment and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is implicated in the concept of self determination. The reason for this lies in the fact that self determination is a process. The right to self determination is the right to make decisions. These decisions affect the enjoyment and exercise of the full range of fundamental freedoms and human rights of indigenous peoples.
Self determination is a collective right exercised by peoples rather than individuals.
The right to self determination is an inherent right of distinct peoples. By virtue of that right they freely determine their political status and freely persue their economic, social and cultural developments. The assertion of a claim to the right to self determination immediately raises the question of our status to make the claim. The free choice of political status carries no necessary implications. In theory, if certain conditions were satisfied, the right of choice may be exercised to form a separate, independent State.