A three-day national conference has ended in Canberra, pledging widespread
support for a treaty between indigenous Australians and the wider
community.

The Democrat and Greens representatives have committed to support a treaty
when indigenous communities have decided on a framework.

Labor's Carmen Lawrence said a formal agreement that recognised indigenous
rights was important.

However, Indigenous Affairs Minister Philip Ruddock was more cautious,
saying a formal treaty would not have public support.

"Now I don't want to raise expectations in an area that's so complex, and
which has not received a level of support across the wider community that
it would need to become a reality."