Tuesday, 9 September 2025

Treaty

Gabrielle DE VIETRI (Richmond) (16:40): Today we are taking a historic step towards First Nations justice with the first ever Statewide Treaty Bill 2025. I am so, so proud to stand in support of that treaty bill. It is a really powerful and hard-won moment. It is the result of generations of staunch First Nations leadership. For too long our systems have denied the sovereignty and the law of this land’s First Peoples. We cannot rewrite history, but this treaty represents a movement towards change by centring First People’s knowledge, law and leadership. It is being led by First Nations people for First Peoples.

I would like to thank the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria for working so tirelessly to lay the foundations in negotiating this treaty and the Yoorrook Justice Commission for their crucial truth-telling. This work, alongside years of campaigning from so many First Nations leaders, activists and organisations, has brought us to this day. Their legacy is a permanent First Nations body, Gellung Warl, and with it the power to question ministers, guide curricula, shape cultural practice and hold governments to account. This is the first treaty, but it will not be the last one in Victoria. Let it be the foundation for a better future for all of us. To the First Peoples who have worked tirelessly, thank you.