Australia's first Treaty marks the beginning of a new chapter in Victoria's history - and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for true progress.
On Thursday night, the historic Treaty bill passed Victoria's upper house with support from the Greens and the crossbench, paving the way for it to be formally signed before the end of the year.
The passing has been welcomed by Traditional Owners and Indigenous organisations - many of whom have long championed Treaty - as a genuine chance for change.
'Future we can all be proud of'
Former Treaty Commissioner and CEO of the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO), Jill Gallagher, said Treaty is not just about recognition, but also about justice, healing and Truth-telling.
"It's about a future that we can all be proud of," she said.
Having played a vital role in the Treaty Advancement Commission which led the delivery of recommendations on the design of what is now known as the First People's Assembly, Dr Gallagher said it is a day to "celebrate our Elders past and present, our staunch leaders, and our young people who have not stopped fighting for a future where decisions about us are shaped by us and for us".
The Gunditjmara Elder argued Treaty provides a path forward for Aboriginal people to help heal from past injustices, as well as to protect Culture and Country, to ensure a fairer and stronger Victoria.
"I have long dreamt of being part of a society where all Victorians, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, can celebrate and enjoy the many benefits that come with belonging to one of the world's oldest living cultures," Dr Gallagher said. "I believe Treaty will make that dream a reality."
Under the Treaty legislation, Gellung Warl - meaning "tip of the spear" in Gunaikurnai - will form the new Aboriginal governance structure. The First Peoples' Assembly, along with a permanent Truth-telling body (Nyerna Yoorrook Telkuna) and an accountability commission (Nginma Ngainga Wara), will oversee policies aimed at closing the gap in Victoria.
The Assembly will be empowered 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 Indigenous people.
Assembly representatives will also attend cabinet meetings at least twice a year, with all discussions held under strict confidentiality.
The bill clarifies that Treaty will not limit or override the powers of Parliament.
Nothing to fear from Truth and Treaty
Independent Federal Senator Lidia Thorpe says the passing of the first Treaty in the country's history is welcome progress and a good start towards real self-determination.
Congratulating the First Peoples' Assembly, she argued the whole country should recognise the "decades of First Peoples' resistance, organising and activism that brought us here".
"Treaty in Victoria didn't start in Parliament," she said.
"It started with our Elders. I want to acknowledge my Uncle Robbie Thorpe, and so many others, who pushed Labor for this long before they were ready to listen. Elders fought for this, they led this, and they should be celebrated."
The Gunnai, Gunditjmara and Djab Wurring woman called for a national Truth-telling Commission, similar to the Yoorrook Justice Commission in Victoria, so Australia can "get on the pathway to national Truth and Treaty," arguing the federal government has "completely stalled" since the referendum.
"Truth and Treaty are nothing to fear - they are about healing, peace, and bringing this nation together," Senator Thorpe said.
The Senator also argued while this first Treaty is a positive step, she looks forward to "Traditional Owner groups self-determining what they want for their own Country".
"That is what Treaty is about," she added.
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Economic and cultural benefits
The Federation of Victorian Traditional Owner Corporations said funding for Traditional Owner Treaties, set aside through the Self-Determination Fund, must remain a key focus as a "gateway for practical change in Aboriginal lives".
Previous modelling from the Federation found $1 billion in benefits for the wider Victorian economy - through productivity, health, tourism and employment - could be achieved from a $300 million investment over 40 years in Traditional Owner groups who will negotiate future treaties.
"We know Treaty will improve life outcomes for Aboriginal communities, and it's in Traditional Owner Treaties we'll see the economic transformation, driven by land rights, that will set us up for generations to come," Federation interim CEO Kayley Nicholson said.
The Taungurung woman urged the government to "not get in the way of good-faith negotiations and practical Treaty outcomes" by approving mines and creating national parks before Traditional Owner groups have had the opportunity to negotiate.
"Statewide Treaty is an incredible, significant and welcome achievement, and it's just the beginning - because Traditional Owner Treaties are where we'll really see generational change for our communities, and the proudly progressive state of Victoria," Ms Nicholson said.
"They're good for mob, good for the economy, good for Victoria, and will put us on the right side of history."
