Open letter to the Victorian Government: Treaty, Now

Thirty-three philanthropic funders have signed an open letter to the Victorian Government commending its work with the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria to deliver Australia’s first Treaty. The letter urges swift action to enshrine Treaty in law.

As Australia’s first Treaty, this is of national significance. Crafted and delivered by the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, this Treaty represents the voices of generations of First Peoples. We acknowledge and honour the dedication of the Assembly, who, through years of hard work and commitment, have led us to this historic moment. The Victorian government has an extraordinary opportunity today to make stand in support of First People’s self-determination, justice, and democratic process.

The Victorian Women’s Trust is proud to stand alongside our peers from the philanthropic sector, in signing this open letter to the state government of Victoria. We wholeheartedly support Treaty, and the work of the Yoorrook Justice Commission, as well as the many individuals and communities that have helped forge the path towards Treaty. The time for action is now.

Open Letter in Support of Treaty in Victoria

The Honourable Jacinta Allan MP
The Honourable Natalie Hutchins MP

Dear Premier and Minister for Treaty and First Peoples,

We are a group of Australian funders proud to walk alongside First Peoples on the path towards Treaty in Victoria.

We welcome the Victorian Government’s commitment to uncovering the truth of colonisation through the Yoorrook Justice Commission, and its work with the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria to deliver Australia’s first Treaty with First Nations Peoples.

First Peoples have been calling for Treaty for decades, and we applaud the work of the Assembly and government in bringing that vision closer to reality. This is an historic moment for our state and our country.

The philanthropic sector has long supported First Nations organisations and initiatives. We have seen first-hand that stronger, fairer and more durable outcomes are achieved when First Peoples are in the driver’s seat, making the decisions that affect their communities, culture and Country.

We remain committed to supporting First Nations organisations and communities and believe that the foundation of self-determination laid by Treaty in Victoria will lead to better outcomes across health, education, justice, environmental protection and beyond.

Together with the Victorian Government and First Nations peoples, our organisations stand ready to play our part in supporting Treaty and the creation of a fair society for generations to come.

We support the Treaty legislation before Parliament and urge your Government, and the whole Parliament, to act without delay to pass and enshrine this historic reform agenda.

Signed,

Reichstein Foundation

Paul Ramsay Foundation

Oranges & Sardines Foundation

The WeirAnderson Foundation

Australian Communities Foundation

Ethinvest Foundation

Community Impact Foundation

Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation

Mannifera Collective

The Pater Charitable Fund

Annamila First Nations Foundation

Alison Limb

Jaramas Foundation

Norman Family Foundation

GoodWolf Partners

The Kimberley Foundation

Crothers Walton Foundation

PMF Foundation

Georgia Mathews Consulting

Gum Tree Foundation

Australian Ethical Foundation

Fairground

Charlotte Siddle

5point Foundation

Tripple

Karen Loblay AM

Matana Foundation

Alberts / The Tony Foundation

Broadley Trust

Victorian Women’s Trust

Carrawa Foundation

Australian Environmental Grantmakers Network

Pollinate