Victoria has made history as the first state in Australia to pass legislation for a treaty with its Indigenous communities.
The state parliament’s upper house was filled with applause and cheers when the treaty vote was approved. Politicians who backed the decision turned to acknowledge Indigenous leaders present in the public gallery, applauding them for a full minute.
This groundbreaking treaty acknowledges the “unceded connection” that Victoria’s First Nations people hold with their ancestral lands. It also recognizes “historic wrongs and ongoing injustices” and seeks to forge a “renewed relationship” between these communities and the state.
In the next phase, Premier Jacinta Allen, along with representatives from Victoria’s First Nations, will proceed to government house in two weeks to formally sign the treaty document.
Rueben Berg, a Gunditjmara man and co-chair of the Assembly, expressed that the treaty empowers Indigenous people as the true experts of their own lives.
“Through this treaty, we gain the ability to apply our knowledge to develop and implement effective solutions for our communities in critical areas such as health, education, housing, and justice. We understand what works for us and what does not, leading to better outcomes for our people,” he stated.
“This has only been possible thanks to the hard work, advice and support of thousands of First Peoples all across the state.
“We are grateful to everyone who has walked with us on this journey over the years to get us to Treaty.”
The bill passed 21 votes to 16 with crossbench support from the Greens, Animal Justice Party and Legalise Cannabis Victoria.
It came in for stiff opposition from the Liberals, who voted against the bill alongside the Nationals and the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers, Libertarian and One Nation members on the crossbench.
The opposition’s criticisms included claims that it would be divisive by creating a body that was only representative of some of the state’s citizens, along with concerns about accountability and funding.
“The cost of treaty to the Victorian taxpayer is going to be in the billions of dollars,” Opposition Leader Brad Battin said on Tuesday,
“We have clearly said that money would be better invested in closing the gap.”
