First Nations leaders are calling for a federal treaty and truth-telling process, echoing Victoria's groundbreaking move. But here's where it gets controversial: some states are deemed 'hostile' to the idea. Over 350 people gathered at the Together for Treaty National Summit in Melbourne, praising Victoria for its treaty introduction last year. The summit organizers penned an open letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, emphasizing the need for a unifying federal-level Treaty and truth-telling process. They argue that many decisions impacting First Nations peoples are made at the federal level, leading to fragmented responsibility and inconsistent recognition. Jackie Huggins, a board director at Common Threads and ABC's Elder-in-residence, accused some states of being unwilling to discuss treaties. She highlighted the importance of insights from states with progressive governments, like Victoria, for those without treaties and facing hostile governments. In Queensland, the LNP scrapped the state's Path to Treaty Act soon after winning the government in 2024, while New South Wales is undergoing treaty consultations led by two commissioners. Professor Huggins, a Bidjara and Birri-Gubbu Juru woman, emphasized the urgency of a federal treaty, citing Victoria's example as powerful and successful. She stressed that native title's introduction didn't disrupt the country, advocating for peace, justice, and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's history and cultures. The push for a federal treaty is described as a 'generational fight' by Larissa Baldwin-Roberts, CEO of Common Threads, attracting both old and young. She highlighted the social license for this movement, noting that Australians overwhelmingly believe there is a wrong to be righted. Last year, Victoria's treaty was signed and formalized as law, becoming Australia's first modern treaty agreement with Aboriginal people. Two traditional owner groups in regional Victoria recently entered the state's Treaty Negotiations Register, allowing talks toward individual treaties to continue. Travis Lovett, the former deputy chair and commissioner of the Yoorook Justice Commission, emphasized the crucial role of truth-telling led by the federal government in enabling healing. He stressed the need for a truth-telling process to bring the country together, with First Nations people requiring healing based on truth and justice, ultimately underpinned by hope. However, the Victorian opposition leader, Jess Wilson, has pledged to repeal the state's treaty with Aboriginal people if elected in November, citing a referendum where Australians voted against the idea. She plans to set up a separate department focused on delivering outcomes for Aboriginal Victorians in areas like education, health, and incarceration. Similarly, the South Australian shadow treasurer, Ben Hood, has stated that if his government is elected next month, it will repeal the state's First Nations Voice to Parliament, implying no follow-through on treaty or truth-telling.
