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First Peoples’ Health and Wellbeing (FPHW) is gutted by the recent decision by the Victorian Opposition to withdraw its support from the Treaty process in Victoria.
However, we want our communities to know, that Treaty is still on track. The First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria states that whilst “we would have liked to have kept Treaty above party politics…there is a clear path to Treaty ahead of us”.
For more than 8 years, Victoria has worked to establish the structures needed for the Victorian Government and First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria to negotiate a Treaty. This abrupt reversal by the State Opposition at the eleventh hour is offensive and heartless. FPHW fully supports a Treaty for Victoria. As the CEO of FPHW, I can see the opportunities Treaty presents to reduce the health and wellbeing inequalities experienced by First Peoples.
As Aboriginal people, we know what is best for our communities. Treaty will further empower us to take action to improve the health and wellbeing of our people. Through Treaty we can tackle head-on, the ongoing impacts of invasion, racism and exclusion that continue to hold us back. Treaty will bring about real and meaningful change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The Victorian Coalition parties have previously made public statements saying they support both the Treaty process and Treaty itself. Their withdrawal of support is a callous move to capitalise on the anti-Voice sentiment for political gain, once again at the cost of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Now is the time to embrace a unique and historic opportunity to write a new and positive chapter in our shared history. When Aboriginal people and communities are thriving, we all benefit.
FPHW calls on the Opposition to show leadership and revert back to their position of support for a Treaty for Victoria.
For media enquires:
Karinda Taylor
Chief Executive Officer
0477 622 210