The Victorian Greens have today welcomed the next step towards establishing the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria as a permanent representative body, calling it a vital milestone on the path to justice, truth, and self-determination for First Peoples in Victoria.
Victorian Greens Leader Ellen Sandell said embedding the Assembly in law, with clear decision-making authority on matters directly affecting Aboriginal communities, is long overdue - and stressed that all aspects of the upcoming Statewide Treaty Bill must be grounded in genuine self-determination and justice for First Nations people.
It follows the release of the Yoorrook Justice Commission's final reports earlier this week, and the Victorian Greens continue to urge the Victorian Labor Government to adopt all 100 recommendations in full.
The Victorian Greens reaffirm their unwavering support for the Assembly and for Victoria's Treaty process, pledging to work to ensure the final legislation passes smoothly without obstruction from the Liberals, and lives up to its promise to First Nations communities across Victoria.
As stated by the Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell:
"This is a landmark moment for Victoria, driven by the strength and vision of First Nations communities fighting for justice. It is a testament to the unrelenting leadership of the First Peoples' Assembly, and the Greens are proud to unequivocally support legislation that allows the Assembly to continue their important work."
"The Greens will always stand with First Nations communities, and that means listening and being led by the solutions they tell us are needed. First Nations communities have been clear about what genuine self-determination and justice require - and we are ready to not just listen, but act."
