The Victorian government has introduced a landmark treaty bill to parliament, marking a historic step towards Australia's first formal treaty with its Indigenous peoples. Premier Jacinta Allan tabled the legislation on Tuesday, describing it as a pivotal moment for reconciliation and change.
The bill, once passed, will pave the way for a formal apology, the inclusion of Aboriginal truth-telling in the school curriculum, and greater use of traditional names for natural parks and waterways. Allan emphasised that Australia is an outlier globally as the only country without a treaty with its Indigenous peoples, and that current systems have failed to close the gap.
Ngarra Murray, co-chair of Victoria's First Peoples' Assembly, hailed the day as 'a new era', while her co-chair Rueben Berg said the treaty bill would 'reset the relationship' between First Peoples and the state government. The agreement follows years of advocacy and negotiation, aiming to address historical injustices and empower Aboriginal communities.
The treaty is expected to include measures for self-determination, cultural recognition, and economic development. It represents a significant shift in Victoria's approach to Indigenous affairs, with potential implications for other Australian states and territories.
