The co-chairs of the Uluru Dialogue say Treaty will become a vital tool for accountability and democratic participation, following the introduction of Victoria's Treaty Bill to parliament last week.
The legislation, developed through years of negotiation between the Victorian government and the First Peoples' Assembly — the state's elected Indigenous body — was welcomed by Traditional Owners as a proud and historic milestone. They say it provides a practical mechanism for First Peoples to make decisions about their own lives.
"After decades upon decades of protest, advocacy, resistance and truth-telling from our ancestors, Elders and community members, we stand at the point where their voices, struggles and vision have carried us," former Yoorrook Commissioner Travis Lovett said last week.
"Treaty is not just a word. It is justice; it is recognition; it is the next step in healing and creating a shared future built on truth."
"Profound moment in our nation's history"
On Tuesday, Uluru Dialogue co-chairs Pat Anderson AO and Professor Megan Davis AC said the Treaty announcement marked a turning point.
"Australia's first treaty is a subnational negotiated agreement in Victoria, and it's taken the form of a voice to Parliament and the Executive," they said.
"The treaty will become an important mechanism for democratic participation and accountability. It will provide a seat at the table in Victoria, which is something our people have been fighting for for generations."
The two leaders highlighted the role of Victorian signatories to the Uluru Statement from the Heart and paid tribute to former Treaty Commissioner Aunty Jill Gallagher, whose "unprecedented work with communities anchored the assembly and the bill we see today".
Dr Gallagher, who guided the process in its early years and helped design the Assembly, said the announcement honoured past and present leaders as well as the next generation.
"The Treaty announcement celebrates our Elders past and present, our staunch leaders, and our young people who have not stopped fighting for our right to a future where decisions about us are shaped by us, and for us," she said last week.
"I have long dreamt of being part of a society where all Victorians, both Aboriginal and non-Indigenous, can celebrate and enjoy the many benefits that come with being part of one of the world's oldest living cultures. I believe Treaty can make that dream a reality."
"Carrying the weight of your ancestors"
Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation Reserved Seat holder, Zoe Upton, described the moment the Bill entered parliament as "very emotional".
"To see it being introduced into parliament...you really carry the weight of your ancestors and your grandparents and great grandparents and those future generations on your shoulders listening to that," she told National Indigenous Times.
As both a mother and carer, Ms Upton said Treaty offers a "voice at the table" that can shape better futures for Aboriginal children.
"Children [will] be rich in culture" and have "a better trajectory in life," she said.
"I do think that as we're moving forward in the accountability arm, having Aboriginal voices at the table to decide — or not to decide — to actually guide legislation is going to be so important for our future generations."
Ms Anderson and Professor Davis said the Treaty framework ensures, for the first time, two-way accountability, so that First Peoples representatives are accountable back to their communities.
"This is a great achievement for the people of Victoria and for Australian democracy and our federal system," they said.
"We remain committed to ensuring the aspirations of the Uluru Statement from the Heart come to fruition for all of our people, including constitutional recognition."
