Victoria has become the first Australian jurisdiction to legislate a treaty with First Nations people.
On Friday, the Treaty Bill passed the state’s upper house. It also establishes the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria as a permanent body in Parliament.
Assembly Co-Chair Ngarra Murray, a Wamba Wamba, Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung and Dhudhuroa woman, called the move a “historic moment” that “marks the beginning of a new era”.
The agreement will be signed and come into effect after a “ceremonial exchange” in December.
Treaty
The bill will make the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria a permanent body that the Government must consult when “making laws, rules, or policies” about First Nations people in the state.
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It will also continue the truth-telling process begun by the Yoorrook Justice Commission, and establish a new Outcomes and Justice Commission to provide independent oversight of the Government.
Additionally, truth-telling will be included in the Victorian school curriculum.
Reactions
Following the bill’s passage, Treaty and First Peoples Minister Natalie Hutchins called the move “a major step forward in building a future that empowers and respects First Nations Victorians.”
Assembly Co-Chair and Gunditjmara man Rueben Berg said the treaty will grant First Nations people in the state “the ability to use our expertise to come up with and deliver practical solutions for our local communities”.
