The Andrews Labor Government is continuing to support Victoria’s historic, nation-leading treaty process as part of a comprehensive package of First Peoples initiatives in the Victorian Budget 2022/23.
The Budget contains $400 million in funding to support Aboriginal Victorians across a range of programs from health to education and family services.
Funding of $151.4 million for treaty will prepare for future obligations expected to arise out of negotiations, which will continue over the next year as Victoria progresses to the next phase of the landmark process.
The Budget continues to invest in Victoria’s Aboriginal cultural heritage system, with $35.7 million to promote, protect and celebrate Victoria’s invaluable Aboriginal cultural heritage.
This includes more than $13.5 million to support Registered Aboriginal Parties to meet increased demand and continue their work as the primary source of advice and knowledge on Aboriginal places and objects on their Country.
More than $18 million will increase the capacity of the Aboriginal cultural heritage system to keep up with Victoria’s private and public developments, as well as boosting heritage protection enforcement and compliance.
Traditional Owner groups will be supported with $3.3 million to pilot the proactive assessment and mapping of culture heritage on their Country.
As part of the Labor Government’s Marrung Education Plan to support Koorie students and embed Victoria’s Indigenous culture in the education system, $2.8 million will establish a new Certificate IV-level course to build a new team of specialist teachers to revive language on Country and in classrooms and kindergartens.
This support builds on the Government’s previous investment in existing Certificate II and III qualification levels to preserve endangered Aboriginal languages.
Nearly $1 million will support Aboriginal Community cultural events, such as the NAIDOC State Reception, Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll and Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service, while more than $2.2 million for the Framlingham and Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trusts will help strengthen their independence and operations.
Work on treaty builds on Victoria’s nation-leading efforts to support Aboriginal communities, including Australia’s first truth telling process to formally recognise historic wrongs and address ongoing injustices for Aboriginal Victorians.
Victoria is the first and only jurisdiction to have actioned both the treaty and truth elements of the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
As stated by Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Gabrielle Williams
“Aboriginal Victorians deserve real action on treaty, truth-telling and self-determination.”
“We’re supporting Aboriginal families today while we work on a stronger, better future with Victoria’s First Peoples.”
“These investments will ensure we’re protecting and celebrating Aboriginal cultural heritage across Victoria, so it can be cherished for generations to come.”
