A fierce debate is set to intensify around the creation of Australia’s first treaty with Aboriginal peoples, as significant negotiations are slated to start between the Victorian government and the First Peoples' Assembly. With such talks beginning after a ceremonial kickoff next week, the stakes are incredibly high for both the government and Indigenous communities involved.
The Treaty Authority will function as the independent overseer of this monumental negotiation process. Interestingly, for any statewide treaty to be recognized, it must receive approval from the parliament. This has raised eyebrows as the opposition demands the public’s voice be included, emphasizing the need for broader democratic engagement.
Victoria's Premier Jacinta Allan views the treaty as a pivotal chance to create a fairer society for all Victorians, but she cautiously anticipates tough discussions. "I remain really positive about these negotiations," she expressed to the press on Thursday, acknowledging the historical backdrop of injustice stemming from colonial dispossession.
Although Allan did not provide a specific timeline for the discussions, she mentioned any agreement reached will not be binding until formal parliamentary approval is secured. This has been met with scrutiny as the opposition has expressed concerns surrounding the process's transparency and inclusivity.
Opposition Leader John Pesutto has publicly denounced the government's direction, arguing the final decision should lie with the people, not just parliamentary members. He raised significant points about the public's right to participate, declaring, "This is something which concerns all the people, and questions of this magnitude should not be decided... just by bringing it forward in the parliament." He proposed this matter should be settled during the next state election slated for 2026 or via some other public engagement mechanisms.
This push for public involvement coincides with the response to the recent referendum on establishing an Indigenous voice to the federal parliament, where Victoria led the country with the highest 'yes' vote percentage of 45.85%. Yet the opposition’s shift away from supporting the treaty speaks volumes about the current political climate and the precarious position surrounding Indigenous rights discussions.
Further complicacy arises when considering the situation of Queensland, where newly elected Premier David Crisafulli recently discontinued a truth-telling inquiry outlined in the state's Path to Treaty Act, which had garnered bipartisan support. Many fear this trend might send ripples throughout the states, potentially setting back advancements with Aboriginal communities.
Meanwhile, assembly co-chair Rueben Berg strongly advocates for the principle of self-determination of Aboriginal communities stating, "We know people thrive when they can make choices about what works best for them and their families based on their own needs and experiences." This sentiment resonates at the core of treaty discussions.
The push-pull nature of these negotiations highlights the delicate realism embedded within the politics of reconciliation. Will varying interests coalesce to create something beneficial for all parties, or will the intricacies of this multifaceted issue lead to another stalemate? Only time will tell as the conversations officially commence, but tension persists as all eyes turn to the outcome of these historic treaty talks.
