Thread by @firstpeoplesvic

MPs are now discussing the Treaty Authority Bill. We’ll provide some highlights and updates throughout the morning on this thread. #vicpol #springst #treaty You can also watch along on the Parliamentary livestream here: new.parliament.vic.gov.au/events/la-sitt…

Leader of the Victorian Nationals @PeterWalshMP is first to speak & gives a very warm thanks to @AuntyGeri & @marcusbstewart for their speeches. He makes it crystal clear that there is bipartisan support for the shared journey to Treaty in Victoria. 👍🏽

Member for Geelong Ms Chris Couzens spoke next and said that this is the most important bill that she has ever spoken on and that First People know what is right for their communities. “This is about survival,” she said. “I commend this bill to the house.”

Next speaker, South-West Coast MP @RomaBritnell, said that Treaty would unite Victoria.

Treasurer @TimPallas spoke next and said that Treaty brings us closer to the unfinished business of our state. He acknowledged that some may be scared of doing things differently but countered, “In my experience, doing things differently is the best way of doing things better.”

Member for Polwarth, @r_riordanmp, spoke of the importance of bringing all Victorians on the journey towards Treaty and that we have an opportunity to get this right.

Member for Sydenham @NatHutchins spoke next, saying she hopes everyone in this chamber sees the way to make Victoria a better place and will listen to our Traditional Owners. “We are reversing the power imbalances that have torn apart Aboriginal communities,” she said.

Member for Gippsland East Tim Bull MP said we need to work together to foster stronger relationships for the future, as well as recognise the bad things of the past and move forward to a stronger future.

Member for Essendon, @DannyPearsonMP, said today is a significant day for parliament and that members should bravely take this step & recognise that First Peoples need the power to take charge of their own destiny.

Member for Eildon @CindyMcLeishMP said children would benefit from learning about the wrongs of our past and also learn about the First Peoples’ culture and that some serious work needed to be done to change outcomes for Indigenous Youth.

Member for Mill Park @LilyDAmbrosioMP acknowledged Country and wiped away tears as she spoke directly to First Peoples’ Assembly Members. She told Parliament, “We just have to get on with it and make the change.”

Member for Prahran @Sam_Hibbins acknowledged the pride and perseverance of First Nations people and urged Parliament to pass the Treaty Authority legislation to help address the wrongs that have occurred and take an important step forward.

Parliament has paused for lunch.

And we’re back. Member for Carrum @SonyaKilkenny recommences the debate by saying this was a historic day and acknowledging the powerful and compelling messages of our co-chairs and the courage of First Peoples. She called for unanimous support of this legislation.

Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy MP spoke next and acknowledged @AuntyGeri's great contributions to the community. He said he was confident that the Treaty Authority would be a significant step forward.

Member for Macedon @MaryAnneThomas spoke next, saying she felt enormously privileged to be an elected representative in this place at this time. She wants her community to know that the Government is committed to justice and self-determination for Indigenous peoples.

Member for Shepperton @SheedSuzanna acknowledged that the journey to Treaty had been difficult and encouraged the Assembly to stay strong. “It’s a hard journey, but it’s about time and I certainly commend this Bill to the house as part of that very important journey,” she said.

Member for Buninyong @michaelasettle spoke next saying that the Treaty Authority is an important step towards reconciliation. “We stand together now as history is made with this bill, establishing an authority that is outside of this government,” she said.

The MP for Kew @TimSmithMP is speaking against the Treaty Authority Bill. #WrongSideOfHistory.

Always was, always will be Aboriginal land.

Member for Northcote Kat Theophanous said this was a momentous occasion. “What makes our Treaty process unique is not just that we are doing things first, we are doing things differently,” she said. “Now is the time for unity, now is the time to listen, now is the time to act.”

Member for Caulfield @SouthwickMP said, “What we do today will affect generations to come.” He acknowledged the importance of working together on this legislation, saying he will be supporting it ‘because it is right’.

The debate has been paused for the discussion of another matter.

Debate resumes with MP for Caulfield @SouthwickMP showing his support for the journey to Treaty. Talking about the importance of self-determination and referencing the legendary activism of people like William Cooper.

MP for Thomastown @BronwynHalfpen1's supportive speech was interrupted for a vote. (But yes, Bronwyn, we're sure @AuntyGeri will welcome you into the fold ;-))

MP for Cranbourne @MP4Cranbourne emphasizes the importance of creating space for First Nations people to speak for ourselves and recognises that Community knows Community best. Thanks Assembly Members for their work and vision.

MP for Frankston @paul4frankston highlights how Treaty will present opportunities for so many people to connect with thousands of years of history and culture. Continues with strong speech about the need to level the playing field and right past wrongs.

Wendouree MP @juliana_addison says it's a privilege to be in Parliament on such a day and praises all involved in this nation-leading work.

MP for Eltham @VickiWardMP refers to John Batman as a syphilitic hustler and outlines the various ways Treaty will help right the wrongs of the past

Seems the parliamentary debate has moved on to other topics, so we'll call it time on our tweeting for the day. Thanks for following along. Make sure you join our mailing list to stay informed about the next steps on the journey to Treaty firstpeoplesvic.org