In the State of Victoria, Australia’s first Treaty has been negotiated, legislated, and signed by the First Peoples Assembly of Victoria, the Victorian State Government and the Governor of Victoria. Treaty aims to build a new, just relationship, acknowledging history, respecting culture, and creating pathways for prosperity and self-governance, moving beyond past injustices towards a more equitable Victoria for everyone. This is a chance to close the gaps and heal the divisions so we can move forward and mature as a nation. In 2022, The Yoorrook Justice Commission began a process of healing and created a public record of our true history which will now be part of the school curriculum so at last children in Victoria will grow up understanding the truth about white settlement in this State, (and in the whole of Australia), and its impact on the nation’s First People who had lived and cared for the land successfully for over 65,000 years. In the words of Professor Eleanor Bourke, Wergaia/Wamba Wamba Elder and Chair of the Yoorrook Justice Commission, “When we understand the past and how this connects to the present, we have the power to create real and lasting change”. Ngarra Murray - Co Chair FPAV: ”Treaties are a bridge, not just between us and the state, but between black and white, the past and the future.” A year ago, when Treaty negotiations were about to commence between The First Peoples Assembly of Victoria and the Victorian State Government, non indigenous Australians, Ruth, Emma, and Phil discussed the aims and the anticipated benefits of Treaty for all Victorians. Although Treaty is now legislated in Victoria, this conversation continues its investigation into what Treaty means from a non aboriginal perspective. Is it a positive step, and if so why? And how will a statewide Treaty in Victoria benefit all who live in this State? For those still undecided, cautious, or even fearful about Treaty, we aim to reveal ways Treaty has been useful and necessary, based on the history of other colonized countries who have gone down the Treaty path whilst acknowledging any pitfalls we need to learn from. Being the last commonwealth country to have a treaty we can learn from those colonized countries who have embarked down the Treaty Path before us. We also wish to gain a clearer understanding as to why some people are opposed to Treaty, to identify what’s contributing to their views along with the deep divisions in our society that were exposed by the recent Australian Voice to Parliament Referendum. We’ll investigate examples of where self determination has successfully occurred in Australia through indigenous initiatives in business and other types of autonomous indigenous owned and run organizations. We do not represent The First Peoples Assembly of Victoria, nor indigenous people generally in Victoria. Simply, we are three people who see themselves as ancestors of immigrants to this country who support Treaties with its First Peoples and their capacity for self determination, along with decolonization. We appreciate that unknowns will inevitably emerge as the process of implementing Treaties unfolds. Like all newly trodden paths, we need to allow space, patience, and flexibility with each carefully considered step along this new terrain to collectively evolve the best possible outcomes for all concerned. You can find Victoria's Treaty-related legislation, like the Statewide Treaty Act 2025, directly on the Victorian Legislation website: legislation.vic.gov.au/in-force/acts/statewide-treaty-act-2025. For broader information and updates on the Treaty process, visit the official Treaty Victoria site at treatyvictoria.vic.gov.auor the First Peoples Relations page at firstpeoplesrelations.vic.gov.au/treaty.
