Wednesday, 27 August 2025

Treaty

Ellen SANDELL (Melbourne) (09:59): History is being made, right here, right now: after decades of leadership from First Nations people, Australia’s first ever treaty with First Peoples has been agreed and will be voted on by the Victorian Parliament. The Greens and I are incredibly proud to support it.

I want to thank the First Peoples’ Assembly and all the First Nations leaders who have been not just leading this journey over the last 10 years since the process has been set up but calling for treaty for many decades. Many did not live to see this historic day, but their work and struggle is a deep part of this achievement.

Treaty is a remarkable and generous gift. As a mum, I am so thankful and proud that my children will grow up knowing that they live in a state that has a treaty with First People and they can be part of walking into the future, creating a future together – what a powerful thing. As a Victorian I am incredibly proud that we are the first state to take this important step forward, and I hope that it will lead to other states and territories and the federal government also committing to their own treaties. This is a historic moment. All Victorians are invited to walk together with First Nations people to share in and celebrate the oldest living cultures in the world, and I hope all Victorians will embrace this.