Victoria Aboriginal treaty Bill gains momentum

LEGISLATION introduced to parliament would bring a treaty with Victoria’s Aboriginal people a step closer, Aboriginal Affairs Minister Natalie Hutchins says.

LEGISLATION introduced to parliament would bring a treaty with Victoria’s Aboriginal people a step closer, the government says.

The Andrews Government said its legislation would see the government and Aboriginal people of Victoria enter into formal treaty negotiations — the first state in Australia to do so.

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Aboriginal Affairs Minister Natalie Hutchins said she was confident the Bill would pass parliament, with formal negotiation starting during the next parliamentary term — regardless of who wins November’s state election.

Ms Hutchins said the treaty was an opportunity for Victoria to recognise and celebrate the unique status, rights, cultures and histories of Aboriginal Victorians.

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Natalie Hutchins says the treaty is an opportunity for Victoria to recognise and celebrate the unique status, rights, cultures and histories of Aboriginal Victorians. Picture: Sarah Matray

It was also an opportunity for reconciliation and to heal the wounds of the past.

Ms Hutchins said the Bill would help establish an independent Aboriginal representative body which would represent Victoria’s 51,000 indigenous people’s interest in the negotiations.

She said if the Bill passed, it would ensure the treaty negotiation process could not be unravelled by future governments.

Victorian Treaty Advancement Commissioner Jill Gallagher AO said more consultation would follow.