Victoria's new Liberal leader, Jess Wilson, has confirmed she fully supports her party's plan to abolish Treaty, despite previously breaking ranks as the only state Liberal MP to back the Voice to Parliament referendum.
Ms Wilson, who last week became Victoria's third Liberal leader in less than a year, is now attempting to lead the party out of over a decade of Labor rule ahead of next year's election.
Her leadership has already sparked criticism from conservative commentators who argue she is too centrist — criticism fuelled by her earlier support for the Voice.
However, Ms Wilson moved quickly to shut down any suggestion she might also support Treaty, which passed parliament in October and received royal assent last week.
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Speaking on 3AW, she argued, "I spoke about this at length in the parliament, I oppose the Treaty".
She later told Sky News Australia: "Victorians voted no to the Voice, and I respect that, and that's the difference between me and Jacinta Allen — I understand that Victorians have had a say on this.
"And they don't want to see the creation of a body that potentially creates a second, parallel system of governance in the state that has the potential to slow down legislation."
Treaty was a part of Labor's platform at both the 2018 and 2022 elections, each resulting in decisive victories. The Opposition initially supported the proposal, but withdrew from the bipartisan process early last year.
Ms Wilson argued Treaty threatens the existing system of governance, describing it as "vastly different in both scope and scale" to the Voice proposal.
"It really creates a parallel, or a separate system of governments in this state," she told 3AW.
"I believe in the rule of law, I believe in our democracy, and I believe in our parliament, and that's the process by which we should be passing laws and scrutinising laws."
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Under the Treaty legislation, a new Aboriginal governance body known as Gellung Warl — meaning "tip of the spear" in Gunaikurnai — will be created. As part of it, the First Peoples' Assembly, a permanent truth-telling body (Nyerna Yoorrook Telkuna) and an accountability commission (Nginma Ngainga Wara) will guide policies aimed at closing the gap.
The Assembly will be able to make representations to Cabinet, ministers, and both houses of Parliament. It will meet with the police commissioner, address Parliament annually, and report on issues affecting First Peoples. Assembly representatives will also attend cabinet meetings twice a year, with proceedings kept confidential.
The legislation also makes clear Treaty does not override or limit the powers of Parliament.
Speaking last week, Assembly Co-Chair, Ngarra Murray, said Treaty is "recognition and renewal," describing it as a "promise that the future will be written together".
She added: "Today marks a turning point in our nation's history, a moment where old wounds can begin to heal and new relationships can be built on truth, justice and mutual respect."
Minister for Treaty and First Peoples, Natalie Hutchins, said Treaty "creates new beginnings," adding it is "where the pain of the past is acknowledged and First Peoples' sovereignty is affirmed, and we hope a better tomorrow shines brightly for all".
Last month, the Opposition pledged to repeal the Treaty Act within their first 100 days if elected, arguing it is not the "best way to close the gap and deliver better outcomes for Indigenous communities".
Instead, they have proposed establishing a new department — First Nations Victoria — accompanied by an unelected Aboriginal advisory body.
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Ms Wilson said the proposed department would focus on measurable progress and "actual outcomes when it comes to indigenous Victorians — whether that's in healthcare, whether that's in the judicial system, whether that's in education".
She added it would "ensure that we have a transparent and accountable department that would focus on closing that gap".
Aboriginal communities across Victoria have expressed broad support for Treaty — including many who did not support the Voice — with the democratically elected First Peoples' Assembly advocating for the process for years.
Addressing Parliament last month, Assembly Co-Chair Rueben Berg said: "We do this not to divide Victoria, but to complete it. Not to take anything from anyone, but to make this place more whole for everyone."
