Oxfam Australia Media Release
Oxfam Australia welcomes the introduction of the Statewide Treaty Bill into the Victorian Parliament today as a historic step forward on the decades-long journey to Treaty.
Oxfam Australia Executive Lead Fist Peoples Program Jimi Peters said the moment marks both progress and recognition.
“We are elated that today the Victorian Government has introduced the Statewide Treaty Bill – this is a proud moment in history and a significant step forward for First Peoples’ self-determination and decision-making.
“We acknowledge that this decades-long moment is a milestone that generations have worked towards. Treaty is about unity, truth-telling and self-determination. People thrive when they can set their own course in life, and when it comes to First Peoples’ communities, cultures and lands, the experts are First Peoples.
“The Assembly has been representing First Peoples for six years, and this Bill recognises that real change can only come when decisions are made by those who know best. Treaty will mean First Peoples’ communities can use local knowledge to deliver practical solutions in health, education, housing and caring for Country.
“The Productivity Commission’s Closing the Gap Review confirms that better outcomes will only be achieved when First Peoples have the power to make decisions about their own communities and lead local systems of governance. Treaty will help tackle the deep inequalities First Peoples experience and ensure a stronger, fairer future for all.”
Oxfam Australia encouraged all Victorians to celebrate this historic moment and continue to walk alongside First Peoples as the journey to Treaty unfolds.
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A state is going to sign a treaty with a multiple of first nations people who speak up to 256 languages!!!
How is this possible and who on behalf of first nations people is going to sign?
This has to be the highlight of Victorian Labor stupidity, having not long ago rejected a first nations voice.
This may come as a shock, jonangel, but you’d have great difficulty finding a Victorian Aboriginal person who didn’t speak English.
I expected a bit of bigotry from you, but not one so evidently ignorant and illogical.
Sorry for late response, but the fact is for someone to sign a treaty, they’d have to be an elected representative, so I’ll ask again who would sign on behalf of Victorian First Nations people?