Australia’s First Nations Demand Federal Action: Will History Repeat Itself, or Will Justice Prevail?
In a powerful call to action, First Nations leaders, Elders, and advocates are urging the federal government to follow Victoria’s groundbreaking lead by committing to a national treaty and truth-telling process. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Victoria’s progress is celebrated, some states are labeled as outright hostile to the idea, leaving Indigenous communities in a frustrating limbo. And this is the part most people miss—without federal leadership, the path to recognition and justice remains fragmented and inconsistent.
Over 350 people gathered at the Together for Treaty National Summit in Melbourne, where Victoria’s historic introduction of a treaty last year was hailed as a beacon of hope. Conference organizers penned an open letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, emphasizing the urgent need for a unifying federal-level treaty and truth-telling process. The letter highlights a stark reality: decisions impacting First Nations peoples—from land and water rights to cultural heritage—are largely in federal hands. Without a cohesive national approach, progress stalls, and recognition remains piecemeal.
Jackie Huggins, a board director for Common Threads and the ABC’s Elder-in-residence, didn’t hold back in her critique. She called out states like Queensland for their unwillingness to engage in treaty discussions. “For us that don’t have treaties, that have hostile governments, we’re here to gain insights for the day we get a progressive government,” she said. Huggins, a Bidjara and Birri-Gubba Juru woman, stressed that Victoria’s success proves the sky won’t fall if treaties are implemented. “All we want is peace, justice, and acknowledgment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people—a long overdue recognition of our history and cultures,” she added.
But here’s the kicker: despite Victoria’s progress, opposition leaders in states like Victoria and South Australia are threatening to repeal existing treaties and Indigenous voices to parliament if elected. Victorian opposition leader Jess Wilson claims Australians have already said “no” to such measures in past referendums, while South Australian shadow treasurer Ben Hood vows to scrap the state’s First Nations Voice to Parliament altogether. This raises a critical question: Are these political moves a step backward, or a reflection of public sentiment?
Larissa Baldwin-Roberts, CEO of Common Threads, frames the push for a federal treaty as a “generational fight” that unites both young and old. “Regardless of where governments stand, we want to show there’s huge social license for this,” she said. Polling reveals that while many Australians initially misunderstand treaties, once informed, they overwhelmingly support them as a path forward. “Australians believe there’s a wrong to be righted,” Baldwin-Roberts added.
Travis Lovett, former deputy chair of the Yoorook Justice Commission, underscores the importance of federal truth-telling for national healing. “First Nations people need healing, but it must be rooted in truth and justice, underpinned by hope,” he said. Yet, with state-level opposition mounting, the question remains: Will the federal government rise to the occasion, or will Indigenous communities continue to face resistance?
Thought-Provoking Question for You: Do you believe a federal treaty and truth-telling process is essential for Australia’s reconciliation journey? Or do you think states should handle these matters independently? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep this vital conversation going.
