BREAKING: Victoria has just become the first Australian state to introduce groundbreaking treaty legislation, setting a historic precedent for Indigenous rights. This pivotal move offers a framework for other governments to follow, but experts warn that significant work remains before similar agreements can be realized.
The treaty legislation was introduced to parliament today, marking a significant milestone after a decade of advocacy. Under this new legislation, a permanent Indigenous representative body will be established, equipped with decision-making powers that directly impact Aboriginal Victorians. This body will be able to propose changes to place names deemed offensive, a vital step towards reconciliation.
Harry Hobbs, UNSW law associate professor, stated, “The Victorian model, if it works and is seen to be effective, could certainly suggest a path forward for other governments across Australia.” His comments underscore the potential influence of Victoria’s treaty on national policy.
In addition to governance changes, public school curricula will now include teachings about Aboriginal experiences since colonization, based on findings from the Yoorrook Justice Commission. A formal apology to the state’s Indigenous inhabitants is also anticipated in parliament, adding further emotional weight to this legislative breakthrough.
The agreement, reached after 10 months of negotiations between the government and the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, carries an estimated cost of over $300 million from 2020 to 2028. However, while Victoria leads the way, Hobbs cautions that other states may face challenges in replicating this success. “It’s going to take a long time for other jurisdictions to negotiate treaties,” he noted, emphasizing that no other state is close to achieving a similar outcome.
Former Yoorrook Commissioner Travis Lovett hailed the treaty as historic, while treaty negotiator Nerita Waight described it as a turning point in Australia’s history. “Victoria is leading the country with treaty, showing what is possible when truth and justice are put at the heart of change,” Lovett stated.
Amid this development, Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe is urging the federal government to establish a nation-wide truth-telling body, which could lay the groundwork for treaties at the national level. Currently, Australia stands as the only Commonwealth nation without a treaty with its Indigenous people, making this initiative all the more significant.
As discussions continue and other jurisdictions look to Victoria for guidance, the urgency for truth and justice becomes increasingly clear. The eyes of the nation will now be watching closely as Victoria embarks on this transformative journey toward reconciliation and Indigenous rights.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as the implications of this treaty unfold across Australia and beyond.
