Statement on Victoria’s Treaty
CMY welcomes the historic step Victoria has taken in passing Australia’s first Treaty legislation with the state’s First Nations peoples. This is a moment of leadership and courage, built on decades of tireless advocacy by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders and communities. It marks a turning point for Victoria, and for Australia as a whole, a commitment to truth, change, and progress.
We welcome the creation of Gellung Warl, a permanent First Nations peoples’ body evolving from the Assembly to lead this next phase of the Treaty process, which will embed truth-telling, accountability, and community leadership. By making the First Peoples’ Assembly permanent, and introducing initiatives such as a stronger focus on First Peoples’ histories and cultures in schools, Treaty offers meaningful pathways for healing, education, and justice that will benefit all Victorians.
At CMY, we know from our own work with young people and families from multicultural and refugee backgrounds that policies and programs are most effective when the people they impact have a genuine voice in shaping them. Treaty reflects this same principle, that lasting change and stronger communities come from self-determination and shared decision-making.
At a time when social cohesion feels fragile, Treaty is a step towards a more just and inclusive Victoria. The Treaty is a result of hard work and dedication from the First Nations community, CMY stands with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in building a future where truth, justice and dignity are shared by all.
Read more about the Treaty in Victoria: https://www.treatyvictoria.vic.gov.au/treaty-victoria-home
Read more about the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria: https://firstpeoplesvic.org