Victoria Passes Historic Treaty with Indigenous Australians

BREAKING NEWS: Victoria has just passed Australia’s first treaty with Indigenous peoples, a historic moment that marks a significant step toward reconciliation. The bill received overwhelming support late on Thursday night, resulting in cheers and emotional celebrations within the parliament, as many onlookers were moved to tears.

This landmark treaty is pivotal in addressing long-standing grievances against Indigenous Australians, who have faced systemic inequalities for centuries. It establishes an elected assembly of Indigenous representatives, initiates a truth-telling process to confront past injustices, and creates an advisory body aimed at tackling health disparities. Currently, Indigenous peoples make up less than 4% of Australia’s population but face life expectancies that are nearly 8 years shorter than other Australians. They are also disproportionately affected by incarceration and deaths in police custody.

Indigenous leader Jill Gallagher, who has been instrumental in advocating for this treaty, stated, “history was made” during this pivotal vote. Generations of Indigenous Australians have fought for similar agreements, and this treaty is seen as a crucial recognition of their sovereignty over the continent, which has existed for more than 60,000 years prior to European colonization.

Despite a national referendum in 2023 that saw Australians overwhelmingly vote “no” to better recognition of Indigenous peoples in the constitution, Victoria’s Premier Jacinta Allan emphasized the importance of this treaty in redefining the relationship between Indigenous communities and the state government. “Treaty gives Aboriginal communities the power to shape the policies and services that affect their lives,” she said.

A recent government inquiry in Victoria revealed the devastating impact of colonialism, stating that settlers committed genocide against Indigenous peoples, resulting in the “near-complete destruction” of these communities. The inquiry highlighted mass killings, disease, sexual violence, and the forced removal of children as factors contributing to this crisis.

The passing of this treaty is not just a legislative act; it represents a significant emotional milestone for Indigenous Australians and advocates fighting for recognition and rights. With the treaty, there is hope for meaningful change and a commitment to address historical injustices.

As this story develops, attention will turn to how the treaty will be implemented and the immediate actions taken by the state government. The establishment of the elected assembly is expected to begin shaping policies that could alter the landscape of Indigenous affairs in Victoria.

Stay tuned for updates as this historic moment unfolds.