Victorian treaty talks begin, in historic first for Aboriginal people and Australian governments
Those entering negotiations say they're focused on securing a stronger future for Aboriginal children in Victoria. (Supplied: Leroy Miller)
In short:
The Victorian government has begun formal negotiations on a statewide treaty with Aboriginal communities.
The agreement is likely to explore ways to better protect Aboriginal culture and language, and give communities a bigger say in Indigenous affairs policy.
What's next?
Premier Jacinta Allan said a key part of negotiations would focus on the future role of the First Peoples' Assembly as a representative Aboriginal body in Victoria.
On Wurundjeri bushland in Melbourne's inner north, rhythmic beats and a chorus of voices filled the sunny skies.
As Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan made her way through Darebin Parklands towards a gathering of hundreds of members of Victoria's diverse Aboriginal nations on Thursday, she was part of Australian history.
For the first time, an Australian government sat opposite a collective of Aboriginal communities in a bid to negotiate a treaty, in recognition of their sovereign rights over land colonised without their consent.
Hundreds of people from Victorian clans gathered at Darebin Parklands for the start of negotiations. (Supplied: Leroy Miller)
Agreements have been struck in the past — including the infamous John Batman "treaty" for Melbourne.
But Victoria's nation-leading statewide treaty process holds the promise of a genuine shift in relations that makes peace with a painful past.
First Peoples' Assembly co-chair Ngarra Murray, who will be part of the team negotiating treaty on behalf of the state's Indigenous communities, said the talks were a step towards justice and healing for past wrongs.
"Healing for our people, our families, our communities, our lands and waters, and for all Victorians," Ms Murray said on Thursday.
"By reckoning with the past together, we can move forward together."
Key priorities identified by the First Peoples' Assembly for a treaty include the deeper embedding of Aboriginal cultures and languages in Victorian life and more control over how government funds are being spent on Indigenous affairs.
Premier says treaty can overturn history of 'exclusion'
The process has asked Aboriginal communities — who have endured a long history of racist and dismissive treatment from government — to have faith in Victoria's politicians.
As she prepared to enter Thursday's talks, Ms Allan said her government was focused on driving changes to end the disadvantage that Aboriginal communities have faced since their economies, languages and cultures were brutally interrupted by colonisation.
"We know the outcomes right now are not fair, they're not equal because throughout history, since colonisation, First Peoples in this state have been excluded from opportunity," she said.
"We've got to change the way First Peoples are listened to, are supported and have a say and a self-determined process over the policies that impact on them."
Government efforts to close gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians across areas such as life expectancy, employment and education have a mixed record of success across the country.
Earlier this year, a Productivity Commission review of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap found it was unclear how much funding states and territories had allocated to Aboriginal-controlled organisation.
The review criticised "tokenistic" engagement with Indigenous communities on funding, and recommended changes to embed shared decision-making and better accountability.
Opposition won't support Aboriginal dream for treaty
In January, the Victorian opposition backflipped on its support for statewide treaty in the wake of last year's national Voice referendum defeat — in a move described as "heartless and callous" by some in the Aboriginal community.
On Thursday, Opposition Leader John Pesutto said the coalition's position had not changed but he respected "the fact that there are different views".
Protection of languages, cultures and country are among the priorities identified by Aboriginal communities for treaty. (Supplied: Leroy Miller)
"I do believe it's incumbent on Premier Jacinta Allan, at all stages now, to take the Victorian people into her confidence and make sure that all Victorians, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, understand what's being negotiated, what's on the table and what's not on the table," he said.
"I think in that sense, Victorians can get a real insight into what's being negotiated on all of our behalf, because it does affect all of us as a state and as a people."
Ms Allan said good-faith negotiations meant it would be wrong to rule things in or out, but one item being discussed was the future of the First Peoples' Assembly as a representative body.
Ms Allan said there would come a time when every member of the Victorian parliament would need to make a decision about the historic reform.
"Do you want to walk with us on this journey to get those better outcomes or will you turn your back?" she asked.
"And if you turn your back on that moment, well that will be for those politicians to answer those questions at that point in time."