The First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria today made a historic address to the Victorian Parliament on the importance of Treaty, setting the tone for debate on the nation leading Treaty Authority Bill.

Assembly Co-chairs Aunty Geraldine Atkinson and Marcus Stewart addressed the Legislative Assembly of the Victorian Parliament in both English and in language, following the introduction of members of the First Peoples’ Assembly.

Members of Victoria’s democratically elected First Peoples’ Assembly were present in the Parliament Chamber.

The presence of the First People’s Assembly in the chamber symbolises the beginning of a new pathway that honours and acknowledges the truth of the past and forges the way to a brighter shared future for all Victorians.

Today’s historic address follows Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Gabrielle Williams attending a First Peoples’ Assembly chamber meeting on Gadubanud Country of the Eastern Maar people earlier this month to sign the Treaty Authority Agreement with the Assembly, representing true partnership on our path to Treaty.

The Assembly negotiated with the Labor Government to develop the Treaty Authority, which is the ‘independent umpire’ that will oversee treaty negotiations between the government and Aboriginal Victorians.

Victoria is leading the nation with Treaty and Truth, including the Yoorrook Justice Commission that continues to hold hearings across Victoria.