Bipartisan support for Victoria's treaty body

The state's Opposition Leader has confirmed the Liberals and Nationals would vote for the Treaty Authority Bill without amendment.

Treaty for Victoria stand at the 15the anniversary of The Long WalkWalk

Treaty for Victoria stand at an event in 2019 marking the 15th Anniversary of The Long Walk. Source: Bertrand Tungandame

New laws to create an independent authority to oversee Victoria's treaty negotiations are set to pass with bipartisan support.

The Victorian coalition initially prevaricated on backing the Treaty Authority Bill after the Andrews government introduced it in state parliament a fortnight ago.

But Opposition Leader Matthew Guy confirmed the Liberals and Nationals would vote for the bill without amendment after a joint partyroom meeting on Tuesday morning.
"We'll be supporting the legislation when it comes to parliament tomorrow," he told reporters.

"Reconciliation is a topic that should be around uniting Australians … that's why this is an important step."

The Victorian coalition announced its support for treaty negotiations in May after Mr Guy suggested a federal process would "make more sense" before the 2018 state election.

Liberal MP Tim Smith, who will not recontest his seat in November after a drink-driving crash, said he does not support "illiberal and divisive tokenism" and will vote against the legislation.
tim smith tweet
Tim Smith, who will not recontest his seat after a drunken car crash last year saw him lose support, tweeted his disapproval. Source: Twitter: TimSmithMP
Shadow Aboriginal affairs minister Peter Walsh would not say if Mr Smith or others spoke out against the bill in the party room.

"Tim, as an individual, is entitled to his opinions," he said.

If the legislation passes, as expected, the treaty authority will have legal powers to oversee treaty talks and resolve any disputes between the state government and the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria.

It will be led by First Nations people elected by an independent panel and be grounded in culture, lore and law.

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Published 21 June 2022 1:36pm
Updated 21 June 2022 1:41pm
Source: AAP


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