Victoria has become the first state in Australia to pass a Treaty with First Nations people. It was so moving being in the chamber that day, as members of the First People’s Assembly spoke passionately about the journey to get to this moment. This historic event is thanks to everyone who campaigned for decades, particularly the First People’s Assembly.
What does it mean?
The Treaty Bill establishes a new entity Gellung Warl (Gunaikurnai language) with three main parts:
- First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, consisting of democratically elected members, to inform Parliament and the Victorian Government on matters that affect First Peoples, and make decisions about issues that impact First Peoples.
- Nginma Ngainga Wara (Ng-in-ma Ng-eyenga Wa-ra, a Wadi Wadi word), to implement the commitment under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap to establish an independent accountability mechanism and improve outcomes.
- Nyerna Yoorrook Telkuna (Nyern-ah Yoorrook Terl-kun-ah, a Wamba Wemba word), to establish truth-telling in local communities about our history, supporting ongoing education, healing and reconciliation.
It was an honour to be in Parliament to witness the Bill passing
Co-chair of the First People’s Assembly, Rueben Berg, gave a compelling speech to the house.
“This first Statewide Treaty is a renewed and enduring relationship between First Peoples and the State. It honours an unbroken connection to Country, and to Aboriginal Lore, Law and Cultural Authority. It affirms a simple principle, recognised around the world. First Peoples decide First Peoples’ issues.
“For the last 200 years we’ve had successive Governments saying ‘they know best!’ about our business. Countless bodies, commissions and policies set up, without the leadership of First Peoples. Even with Governments with good intentions, it just does not work. All of us can agree, our approach must change. Today we can agree to move forward together, by discontinuing the centuries of ineffective, and harmful policies.”
Congratulations to everyone involved in this historic moment.
