Tuesday, 9 September 2025

Treaty

Sarah MANSFIELD (Western Victoria) (14:06): On this historic day I am so proud to share my support for treaty. Treaty is a step towards true justice, freedom and healing. It comes hundreds of years too late, but that it is happening is testament to the strength of First Peoples; to the endurance of culture, country and kin; and to the work of advocates over many decades for recognition of First People’s sovereignty. The realisation of this nation’s first ever treaty is monumental. While we cannot change the truth of the harm done to Aboriginal people, by genuinely giving power to First Nations we can change our collective future for the better. Sharing power is a beautiful thing. It is an active choice for change, a reason for celebration. It is an acknowledgement that we cannot keep operating in the same ways that we always have. It puts us in a position to walk together. There is nothing that could fill me with more gratitude than to be part of the moment that treaty becomes a reality. As a mother, daughter, sister, friend and community member first and a representative in this Parliament second, I feel grateful in a way that is hard to put into words to know that I will be able to say I was there when treaty was first established in Victoria.