Tuesday, 7 June 2022

Treaty Authority and Other Treaty Elements Bill 2022

Introduction and first reading

Ms WILLIAMS (Dandenong—Minister for Prevention of Family Violence, Minister for Women, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs) (12:07): I move:

That I introduce a bill for an act to provide for various matters in relation to the Treaty Authority, to amend the Advancing the Treaty Process with Aboriginal Victorians Act 2018 and for other purposes.

Motion agreed to.

Mr WALSH (Murray Plains) (12:07): Could I ask the minister for a brief explanation, please.

Ms WILLIAMS (Dandenong—Minister for Prevention of Family Violence, Minister for Women, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs) (12:07): The bill recognises the establishment of the Treaty Authority under the Treaty Authority agreement and facilitates its operation. This bill follows a historic agreement reached between the Andrews government and the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria. The bill will allow the Treaty Authority to be established as an independent umpire to oversee negotiations between the government and Aboriginal Victorians. The bill also amends the Advancing the Treaty Process with Aboriginal Victorians Act 2018 in relation to the treaty negotiation framework and self-determination fund. This bill continues the government’s strong commitment to treaty, truth, justice and self-determination for Victoria’s First Peoples.

Read first time.

Ordered to be read second time tomorrow.