Victoria set to become first state with First Nations treaty

The Victorian Government has introduced a bill to create a treaty with First Nations people.

If passed, Victoria will become the first state or territory in the country to have a treaty with First Nations peoples.

It follows negotiations between the Victorian Government and the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria.

In a statement, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said: “Treaty makes sense because it gives Aboriginal people a say in how their services are run.”

Treaty

The bill for the treaty between First Nations people in Victoria and the Victorian Government was introduced today.

If passed, the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria said it will “reset” the relationship between First Nations people and the state.

The Government said it is intended to enact “real, practical change” for First Nations people in the state.

The treaty will:

• Make the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria a permanent body
• Require the Government to consult it “when making laws, rules or policies” about First Nations people in the state

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• Continue the truth-telling process begun by the Yoorrook Justice Commission
• Create a new Outcomes and Justice Commission to provide independent oversight for the Government
• Include truth-telling in the Victorian curriculum.

Remarks

Announcing the tabling of the legislation, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said: “Our first Treaty sets clear rules to achieve real, practical change over time. It doesn’t take anything away from anyone — it’s about improving people’s lives and the services they use.”

Co-chair of the First Peoples’ Assembly Ngarra Murray said a treaty “makes sure we can use our local knowledge to come up with and deliver practical solutions to improve health, education and housing outcomes for our communities.”

Opposition

Earlier this year, the Victorian Opposition announced it wouldn’t support a treaty.

Shadow Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Melina Bath said: “We do not support a treaty, and we do not support a Victorian version of a Voice to Parliament. Victoria’s future should be built on fairness, opportunity and safety and a focus on delivering for all Victorians.”

The Federal Government’s attempt to establish a Voice to Parliament failed in a referendum in 2023.