By PHILIP HOPKINS
VICTORIA’s farmers must be involved in the process and legislation to create a Victorian Aboriginal Treaty, according to the industry’s peak body.
Victorian Farmers Federation president Brett Hosking acknowledged the government had reached an in-principle agreement on Australia’s first Treaty.
Mr Hosking said the introduction of this legislation was be the first time it had been seen by many stakeholders.
“It is critical that such a significant piece of policy and legislation is considered through an open and transparent consultation process as it moves through parliament,” he said.
Mr Hosking said farmers and regional communities must form part of this consultation.
“We look forward to engaging constructively to achieve the right result,” he said.
“The government said themselves that these policies work best when people affected can have their say. This must be the way forward on this process.”
Premier Jacinta Allan, introducing the Statewide Treaty Agreement into parliament, said the Treaty made sense because it gave Aboriginal people a say in how their services were run.
“It’s that simple. All families are better off when they have responsibility over their lives, their future and the things that affect them. Aboriginal families are no different,” she 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.”
Ms Allan said generations of advocacy by First Peoples had led to this important moment.
“We recognise it. They have an unbroken relationship with the land where we live. We acknowledge it. They nurtured the oldest living cultures on earth. We’re proud of it,” she said.
“I thank the First People’s Assembly of Victoria for the trust they have shown in undertaking this journey with us. I acknowledge the Treaty Authority and its members for their role in ensuring a fair negotiation.
“And, I acknowledge the work of the Yoorrook Justice Commission who have faithfully recorded the truth. Finally, I thank the Victorian people for coming with us on this journey, which continues still. The first Treaty in Australia’s history will be in your name, too – and it will benefit us all.”
The Victorian Government and First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria reached in-principle agreement on Australia’s first Treaty after a decade of talks.
The first negotiated Statewide Treaty Agreement brings together First Peoples, through the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, and the Victorian Government, to build a new relationship based on respect, trust and integrity. It acknowledges he state’s past and aims to allow all Victorians to move forward together.
The Statewide Treaty Bill proposes to make the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria permanent and expand its responsibilities to deliver better outcomes for First Peoples in Victoria. Subject to the passage of the bill through parliament, the negotiated Treaty Agreement will be signed by both parties.
Ms Allan said policies and programs work best when the people affected by them have a say in how they are delivered.
“That’s why this bill proposes to put decision-making power about initiatives and services that impact First Peoples into the hands of the First Peoples’ Assembly,” she said.
The bill proposes that the expanded assembly:
Be led by democratically elected Members providing representation of First Peoples;
Make decisions and rules about specific matters that directly impact First Peoples;
Form an independent accountability mechanism as required by the National Agreement to Close the Gap;
Be consulted by government departments on laws and policies affecting First Peoples;
Lead ongoing truth-telling and healing across Victorian towns and regions, including capturing stories and retaining an archive of this information to support education of the broader public;
Make certain statutory appointments for existing designated First Peoples’ seats such as First Peoples appointments to the Heritage Council of Victoria, Lead the Aboriginal Community Infrastructure Fund, the Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll and NAIDOC Week, and;
Develop a First Peoples’ Institute to enhance leadership capability across the sector.
“In Victoria, we have been on a long and steady path to Truth and Treaty for nearly a decade. We have passed legislation twice, developed policies, and made commitments across the government. We have taken the time required to lay strong foundations for Treaty, and this Bill represents a historical milestone in this journey,” Ms Allan said.
