EARTHCHAT: Treaty in Victoria

Listen at noon on Tuesday 7th October on Seymour FM or anytime as a podcast

Legislation for Australia's first Treaty between the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria and the Victorian Government has just been introduced in the Victorian Parliament. An historic moment built on over 200 years of First Nations' advocacy.

North East Representative of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, Levi Power, returns to EarthChat to chat with Ruth and Phil about this latest exciting Treaty news.

The journey to a Statewide Treaty for Victoria, led by First Peoples, is going to benefit everyone living in this State. And, it is going to take all of us to make Treaty a reality.

By working together we will naturally build a better future for everyone in Victoria. Treaty will therefore bring us together and will unify Victoria because we share the same values about freedom, care, family, community and equity….

The Yoorrook Justice Commission began a profound process of healing through Truth-telling thereby creating the first public record of our true history, an opportunity to understand history since colonization, and to see why Treaty is needed. This truth telling and history gathering in Victoria has enabled a ‘turning toward’ the truth of the past allowing us to start building a better and unified future together. Treaty is therefore not about division. On the contrary. Treaty is a pathway to acknowledging the past and making real practical change to achieve better outcomes for First Peoples in Victoria and close the ‘gap(s)’ once and for all. This can only benefit everyone living here in this State.

Treaty won’t change any ownership laws - what’s yours today is yours tomorrow. First Peoples won’t become part of the Victorian Government either, just simply have their say in the decisions that affect Aboriginal communities.

Next week the Treaty bill will be debated by the Parties in Parliament, when they resume sitting between October 14 - 16. To receive Treaty information and updates about how you can help, go to: https://fpav.good.do/victoriansupporttreaty/email-your-mp/

You can read the full Statewide Treaty text here.

Here’s what else you can do to support Treaty:

• Explore the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria’s website, including information on the Statewide Treaty, the Assembly, FAQs, information for allies, and a video series here. 

• You can find out more about the Treaty Authority via their website. They also have a Information Guide for Local Government.

  
  

The Yoorrook Justice Commission website is a key resource for all who live in Victoria.

• Read and engage with the recommendations for your sector

• Read the Official Public Record – Truth Be Told

• Explore Yoorrook’s Video Library

EarthChat on 103.9FM midday, Tuesday 7th October. Here is Seymour FM's website. 

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