In a week where Victorians have endured traumatic revelations and shocking failures of leadership, the Allan Labor Government has chosen a Friday morning to quietly announce its proposal to introduce a Statewide Treaty Bill later in the year - and has provided no detail on what it will contain.
This move is a telling admission from the Labor Government that even it knows Victorians do not support its divisive priorities at a time when families are facing a cost-of-living crisis, surging crime and a health system under pressure.
Leader of the Opposition, Brad Battin, said the timing of the announcement speaks volumes about a government that is increasingly out of touch with the community it is meant to serve.
"This is a Premier who waits until Friday, after one of the most distressing weeks for Victorian families in recent memory, to drop her government's treaty plans. Labor knows full well that Victorians voted against the Voice - and they're hoping no one notices this announcement while we're all focused on protecting our children," Mr Battin said.
"This is the culmination of a treaty process negotiated behind closed doors and without transparency. This is their version of consultative government.
"Victorians expect governments to deliver real, measurable progress - but under Labor, the gap is widening, and the government is distracted with their Treaty and a Victorian Voice.
The Opposition has repeatedly warned that Labor's treaty push will fundamentally reshape how Victorians interact with each other.
"We currently have no details on what this Bill will contain. If Labor really cared, they would be upfront with Victorians on how they intend to negotiate their treaty, " Mr Battin said.
Mr Battin reaffirmed the Liberals and Nationals' commitment to policies that unite Victorians and address the real challenges families face every day.
"The Liberals and Nationals are focused on practical solutions - safer streets, affordable homes, and a stronger economy - not pushing an out-of-touch agenda on Victorians," he said.
Shadow Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Melina Bath, said the Liberals and Nationals believe in working constructively to address disadvantage and inequality, but that means delivering better outcomes on the ground - not creating new bureaucracies and dividing Victorians.
"We do not support a treaty, and we do not support a Victorian version of a Voice to Parliament. Victoria's future should be built on fairness, opportunity and safety and a focus on delivering for all Victorians," said Ms Bath.
