Wednesday, 28 May 2025

Ministers statements: treaty

Natalie HUTCHINS (Sydenham – Minister for Government Services, Minister for Treaty and First Peoples, Minister for Prevention of Family Violence, Minister for Women) (14:22): I rise during reconciliation week to update the house on how the Victorian government is turning this year’s theme, ‘Bridging now to next’, into action through treaty. Treaty is our opportunity to reset the relationship between the state and our First Peoples, building a fairer Victoria together. It is about more than words, it is about action. It is about making sure that Aboriginal people have a say on the policies and programs that affect their lives, their health, their education, their housing and also the practice of their culture. It just makes sense because when you listen to people you get better outcomes. That is what treaty is: a practical way to achieve practical change.

We have been working through how to embed truth-telling for a long time and building on the nation-leading work of the Yoorrook Justice Commission, and we are keeping the community involved every step of the way through the joint statements that we have been releasing, the treaty forums and the conversations that are happening across the state, reaching hundreds of community leaders. I want to thank the member for Geelong for her continued leadership and support in sharing the message of treaty right across Victoria.

We are putting reconciliation into action, and treaty is at the heart of that work because all the evidence here and overseas shows that when First Peoples have a genuine voice it works. It closes the gap, it improves outcomes and it changes lives. It is how we build a Victoria that everyone can celebrate and take pride in. I hope those opposite can find it within themselves to stand with First Peoples during this reconciliation week, and every week, because this is more than just a slogan. It is a responsibility. It is a promise. And on this side of the house we take that seriously.