Victorian Liberals Spark Fury with Vow to TEAR UP Historic Treaty with First Peoples if Elected
- Vic Liberals pledge to repeal state’s Treaty agreement with Aboriginal people if elected
- Opposition leader Brad Battin says new government department will focus on service delivery and outcomes for Aboriginal Victorians
- Premier Jacinta Allan slams decision as “divisive” and a “new low” for the Liberals
- Treaty expected to pass with support from Greens and Labor despite Liberal opposition
The Victorian Liberals have sparked outrage with their vow to scrap the state’s historic Treaty agreement with Aboriginal people if elected. In a shocking move, the Opposition has committed to introducing legislation to repeal the Treaty in the first 100 days of a state Liberal government.
“We are happy and willing to always listen to leaders in our community, in our Aboriginal communities, but this policy will be about across the board, listening to all voices, not just the First Peoples’ Assembly,” Shadow Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Melina Bath said.
Instead of the Treaty, the Liberals plan to establish a new government department – First Nations Victoria – to report to Parliament and oversee progress on Closing the Gap targets. The Opposition claims this approach will deliver better outcomes for Aboriginal Victorians, but critics argue it’s a watered-down alternative to the Treaty.
Premier Jacinta Allan was scathing in her response, saying the Liberals’ decision was “divisive” and a “new low”. “They’ve said to the Victorian community, that their first priority if they should have the privilege of holding government is not to build the future it’s to tear it down,” she said.
The Treaty, which has been years in the making, is expected to pass with the support of the Greens and Labor. The proposed agreement would establish a permanent First Peoples’ Assembly with new powers to ask questions of ministers and make decisions on specific matters affecting Aboriginal people.
Victorian Greens leader Ellen Sandell slammed the Liberals’ decision, saying it was “deeply disrespectful” to Aboriginal Victorians who have been working towards the Treaty for years. “To use this historic and proud moment to sow division is a new low, even for the Liberals,” she said.
The Liberals’ move has been met with widespread criticism, with many accusing the party of trying to drag Victoria backwards. As the Treaty debate heats up, one thing is clear: the future of Aboriginal rights in Victoria hangs in the balance.