The Statewide Treaty Bill, which was introduced to State Parliament yesterday (8 September), proposes to make the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria permanent and expand its responsibilities to deliver better outcomes for First Peoples in Victoria.
Photo: © First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria
Victoria is set to become the first state or territory in the nation to introduce a treaty to its Parliament, with the state’s government and the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria having reached an in-principle agreement on a treaty.
In a joint statement issued by Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Natalie Hutchins, and First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria co-chairs Ngarra Murray and Rueben Berg, it was noted that the first negotiated Statewide Treaty Agreement brings together First Peoples, through the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, and the Victorian government, “to build a new relationship based on respect, trust and integrity [and] acknowledges our past and is a chance for all Victorians to move forward together”.
The bill proposes to make the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria permanent and expand its responsibilities to deliver better outcomes for First Peoples in Victoria.
The negotiated treaty agreement will be signed by both parties, subject to its passage through the state’s Parliament.
The bill proposes that the expanded assembly will, among other things, make decisions and rules about specific matters that directly impact First Peoples, consult with government departments on laws and policies affecting First Peoples, and lead ongoing truth-telling and healing across Victorian towns and regions, including capturing stories and retaining an archive of this information to support education of the broader public.
“Policies and programs work best when the people affected by them have a say in how they are delivered – that’s why this bill proposes to put decision-making power about initiatives and services that impact First Peoples into the hands of First Peoples’ Assembly,” the joint statement said.
“In Victoria, we have been on a long and steady path to truth and treaty for nearly a decade. We have passed legislation twice, developed policies, and made commitments across the government.”
“We have taken the time required to lay strong foundations for treaty, and this bill represents a historical milestone in this journey, “the statement said.
Jerome Doraisamy is the managing editor of Lawyers Weekly and HR Leader. He is also the author of The Wellness Doctrines book series, an admitted solicitor in New South Wales, and a board director of the Minds Count Foundation.
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