Victoria leads the way with treaty agreement

The National Native Title Council has celebrated the passing of Victorian legislation that will give effect to the first Treaty in Australia between First Nations peoples and a government.

“This is a proud moment for all Australians. We congratulate all First Nations Victorians, the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria and the Victorian Government for their courage and commitment to justice,” Jamie Lowe, chief executive  of the National Native Title Council, said.

“After more than two centuries of advocacy, Australia’s first Treaty is a reality. Victorian Traditional Owners have set a benchmark for other states and territories to follow.

Jamie Lowe, CEO of the National Native Title Council.

“Native Title and Treaty are grounded in the same truth. First Nations people are the experts when it comes to our land, water and Culture. We have responsibility for Country, and we hold both the knowledge and the right to make decisions about our future.

“Victoria’s success shows other states and territories what is possible when First Nations and government come together to confront the truth and make an intentional decision not to repeat the harms of the past.

‘Just the beginning’

“Treaty does not undo the hard realities of dispossession. It acknowledges that Victoria was built on stolen land, and charts a path forward that respects First Nations rights to make decisions about our own lives.

Mr Lowe said this was just the beginning of a new Treaty era, saying statewide Treaty paved the way for local Treaty agreement-making.

“Australia’s first Treaty changes the course of our shared story. This Treaty shows us that if we are committed to truth-telling, it is possible to have a more unified future,” he said.