Catholic Social Services Victoria has welcomed the introduction and progression of treaty legislation in the Victorian Parliament.
In a statement, CSSV said that “to accept the invitation of the Uluru Statement of the Heart is to embrace the calls of First Nations Peoples to look to a just future and a way forward for healing and learning together … The Uluru Statement calls for treaty”.
Debate on the treaty began in Parliament on Tuesday. It is expected to pass with the support of the Greens and other progressive crossbenchers, The Guardian reports. Following the legislation’s passage, the Allan Government and the First People’s Assembly will formally sign the treaty agreement.
Liberal Opposition Leader Brad Battin has declared he would scrap the treaty within 100 days of forming office.
CSSV urged “a return to bipartisan support for treaty in Victoria, and for the whole Victorian Parliament to fully support treaty-making processes”.
“CSSV knows that a better future for all Australians is contingent on the work of treaty being done. CSSV recognises that negotiating a successful treaty in Victoria is one element in a much broader reckoning and process.
“We remain committed to this work alongside others of good will. We are grateful to the Yoorrook Justice Commission and First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, which the introduced legislation recognises and builds upon as integral to pursuing a better future for all Victorians.”
CSSV executive director Joshua Lourensz said there is a “deep desire from many within Catholic social services and beyond to see renewed and different relationships between Victorians, from a variety of rich global cultural heritages, and First Nations people”.
“Our member organisations understand the challenges but are fully committed to working in such a way so that ‘all may have life and have it to the full’,” Mr Lourensz said.
“CSSV remains committed to the complex work of reconciliation and sees treaty as one key aspect of this. We need to bring about tangible change, justice and healing in our country. The agreements of a Victorian state-wide treaty, and as such this legislation put before Parliament, lay the foundations for this to be possible.”
FULL STORY
Together for Treaty (CSSV)
Victorian Coalition vows to scrap Australia’s first statewide treaty with First Peoples if it wins government (By Benita Kolovos, The Guardian)
