The peak body for Indigenous community-controlled health organisations in Victoria has welcomed the beginning of the treaty negotiations between the First Peoples' Assembly and the state government, which it says will bring about "meaningful" change to communities across the state.
The historic Treaty negotiations will begin in the coming days, with a ceremony at Melbourne's Darebin Parklands on Thursday hearing the Assembly co-chair's telling the crowd "treaty must acknowledge the enduring impact of colonisation and restore the inherent rights of First Peoples".
"We need people to accept the Truth about what was done to us and how the impacts are still felt today," co-chair Ngarra Murray, a Wamba Wamba, Yorta Yorta, Dhudhuroa and Dja Dja Wurrung woman, said.
Fellow co-chair, Gunditjmara man Rueben Berg, cited the hard work of Victorian Aboriginal Community-Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) chief executive Jill Gallagher in helping Treaty get to where it is.
"To Aunty Jill who, alongside many others helped get the Assembly started – thank you," Mr Berg said.
Speaking after attending the event, Dr Gallagher, a Gunditjmara woman and former Victorian Treaty Advancement Commissioner, said Treaty represents a "significant stride towards self-determination, empowerment, and much-needed systemic change".
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"It is poised to bring about meaningful structural reforms that will equip Aboriginal Communities across Victoria with the tools to enhance their lives," she said.
"The essence of Treaty lies in the invitation for all of us to unite, listen, and build mutual understanding and respect between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the broader Victorian Community."
During a press conference earlier on Thursday, Mr Berg said Treaty would improve the lives of both Indigenous people across Victoria and make the state better for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people alike.
In her role as Treaty Advancement Commissioner, Dr Gallagher was tasked with the job of establishing the First Peoples' Assembly - the democratically elected voice for Indigenous people across the state.
She said being in Darebin, surrounded by strong leaders and allies, filled her with a renewed sense of hope and strength, especially in the wake of the failed Voice referendum last year.
"Treaty provides an opportunity to ensure future generations have the opportunity to flourish, but it's also a chance for all Victorians to create a better future together as equals," she said.
Premier Jacinta Allan said Treaty was needed to help "reset the relationship between the state of Victoria and First Peoples".
"We're about to embark on treaty negotiations that will make our strong state even stronger, even fairer. Since colonisation, First Peoples in this state have been excluded from opportunity," she said.
Citing successful examples of treaties from across the globe, Premier Allan added: "For decades, governments around the world - be they in the United States, in Canada, in New Zealand - have had treaties with their First Peoples and it's been shown to drive better outcomes."
"We need to change, we need to listen, we need to close the gap, and it's not happening now," she said.
Echoing the Premier's comments, Dr Gallagher said: "Treaty has the transformative power of sharing the great gift of 65,000 years of rich Aboriginal culture with all Victorians."
"I dream of being part of a society where all Victorians both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, can celebrate and enjoy the many benefits that come with being part of one of the world's oldest living cultures – and Treaty can make that dream a reality," she said.
