Contributed from Victoria

Victoria’s Yoorrook Justice Commission has just released its final report. It called the injustices suffered by the First Nations peoples of the sate a “genocide,” Brought about by “colonial invasion” from 1834, which caused the loss of traditional lands, water, food, and other natural resources. Mass killings disease, sexual violence destruction of language and culture, the removal of children from parents, and the justice system brought about an almost complete destruction of the First Peoples.

By taking it to this point Victoria has taken a national lead.

There is another side not emphasised by the Report, and this is that the First Nations fought against dispossession and continued to resist. Because of the resilience this resistance created, they have survived and have raised the banner of their liberation. Recognition of the importance of dealing with the past to create a new future has been won as a result.

Photo from SBS: First Nations people standing up for Treaty

There is a movement for Treaty. The process of achieving it requires truth telling, righting past injustices, and providing a foundation for frank and open discussion with the non-Indigenous population as equals, to move forward into the future. This leads to treaties between each First Nation and the rest of the population, guaranteeing redress, autonomy, and self-determination for the dispossessed.

Although some controversy is inevitable, it remains that the push for treaty is necessary. What has been achieved has taken years in the making. Overcoming prejudice and fears that redress and winning rights poses a threat to white Australia. Recognition that the future of both parts of the population is bound together, and that moving forward requires cooperation has taken a long time to be widely understood.

There remains some tension over the concept of treaty, born out of misunderstanding or reluctance in some cases. This can be overcome. A treaty is an agreement stating the conditions of the agreement, including the rights and responsibilities of each party. A treaty by its nature also recognises that there has been conflict, in this case imposition of colonial rule and resistance to it. It recognises that the First Nations have never surrendered their sovereignty and continue to fight for their rights. The two peoples can stand as equals on this foundation.

The inquiry leading to this Report examined the impact of colonisation over 67 days of testimony from more than 200 witnesses, 1,300 public submissions, and more than 10,000 documents. A truth telling body to continue building the public record is cited as a priority. Another recommended priority is for the education department to embed Indigenous representation and perspectives in the curriculum and to ensure cultural safety for students in schools.

Photo by James Ross/AAP: Victoria’s Premier Jacinta Allan acknowledged report but no practical commitment yet

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has acknowledged to work and the Yoorrook Report. “Victoria’s truth-telling process is a historic opportunity to hear the stories of our past that have been buried – these are stories that all Victorians need to hear,” Allen said. So far there has been no practical commitment to implement the recommendations made, and taking further practical steps towards treaty. Time will tell what is going to happen.

Progress will remain a three-part endeavour. Most Indigenous and non-Indigenous people are on board. Government is more reluctant. Nevertheless, it is being pushed along by the tide of history. Treaty is inevitable. The question is, how long isa it going to take?