Victorian Government Historic Treaty Legislation Passed in the Lower House

The VLGA congratulates the Victorian Government on the passing of the Advancing the Treaty Process with Aboriginal Victorians Bill 2018.

Treaty is an important landmark step in the ongoing relationship between the State and Aboriginal Victorians. Treaty also paves the way towards other measures of reparation which have been discussed, including constitutional recognition and sovereignty of Indigenous Australians.

The establishment of an Elders Council, involving traditional owner groups, clans and organisations throughout Victoria provides invaluable opportunities for building a genuine level of understanding about the culture, history, rights and status of Indigenous Peoples, from the perspective of Indigenous Peoples. This was one of the key proposals outlined in the ‘Uluru Statement from the Heart.’

Disappointingly, while other states are also actively progressing their Treaty agenda with Indigenous Australians, their efforts are not matched by the Federal Government. The VLGA calls on the Federal Government to take a more active leadership role in advancing the relationship with Indigenous Australians.

There have been many important steps along the way, from the 1967 referendum to the national apology to the stolen generation in 2008. We must continue to walk alongside our Indigenous Australians on this journey.

ENDS:

Please attribute to Kathryn Arndt Chief Executive Officer VLGA.

Media Contact: Liddy Clark 0403 542 411