Many countries around the world have treaties between its government and Indigenous people. Treaties are binding agreements between groups, and these agreements often involve land and economic deals, new policies, efforts to resolve historical issues, self-determination and ways to work together in the future.
In Victoria, the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria began negotiations with the Victorian government last year on Treaty, and legislation allowing this agreement has now passed Parliament.
A number of other Australian states and territories have also started the process of developing a Treaty with their First Peoples.
South Australia, New South Wales and the ACT are working to develop Treaties.
Queensland, Tasmania, Western Australia and the Northern Territory had begun this process too but since stopped it.
About Time spoke with First Peoples’ Assembly Metro member and Yorta Yorta man Barry Firebrace-Briggs about what Treaty will mean for Mob in prison.
AT: Where are we up to with Treaty in Victoria?
After nearly 10 years of listening to Aboriginal communities across Victoria, the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria and the State Government have finished Treaty negotiations. Once the law passes, it will be the first Treaty in Australia between a government and First Peoples – a historic step toward truth, justice, and healing.
AT: What will Treaty mean for Mob in prison?
Treaty means more resources and power to create real, practical solutions for Mob and to make systems fairer for our people. For years, we’ve been listening to Mob inside prison about what they need. We know that we need better support when people leave prison, for things like housing, jobs, and healing. We know that the criminal justice system disproportionately harms our peoples, and that’s why we need more say in laws and policies.
We are proud that almost every Victorian Aboriginal person in prison enrolled to vote in the First People’s Assembly’s last election in 2022.
The voices of Mob inside matter and that’s why we’ve made sure First Peoples in prison can vote in our Treaty as well. If you’re in Victoria, keep an eye out of this! Voting in these elections helps to decide who will be doing the negotiating on behalf of First Peoples in Victoria.
AT: How will this be done?
Under the Treaty, a new political body called Gellung Warl will be created. In Gunaikurnai language, Gellung Warl means “tip of the spear.” It will be the permanent voice and decision-making body for Aboriginal people in Victoria.
Gellung Warl will:
- Make the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria a permanent, more powerful body of elected Traditional Owners.
- Create Nyerna Yoorrook Telkuna, a truth-telling and healing process. (In Wamba Wemba, the name means sitting, listening, remembering; the truth; and healing.)
- Create Nginma Ngainga Wara, an independent office to make sure government keeps its promises to First Peoples. (In Wadi Wadi, this means "you will do.")
- Set up a First Peoples’ Institute to train future Aboriginal leaders.
- Include truth-telling in schools and celebrate culture, including restoring Traditional place names.
- Support Aboriginal-led organisations through a new First Peoples’ Infrastructure Fund.
This is a historic moment – and we hope other States and Territories follow suit!
