Victorian Premier Offers Historic Apology to First Peoples

The Victorian government has issued a formal apology to Aboriginal people for injustices stemming from colonisation, marking a significant moment in Australian history. Premier Jacinta Allan delivered the apology in a statement before the parliament, acknowledging the “rapid and violent” nature of colonisation and its enduring impacts on First Peoples. The apology is part of the ongoing treaty negotiation process aimed at addressing historical wrongs and promoting reconciliation.

In her address, Allan stated that decisions made in the parliament over the years have systematically denied Aboriginal people their rights and self-determination. “We acknowledge the harm inflicted on generations of First Peoples,” she remarked, emphasizing the need for a new era that embraces truth and justice. The premier highlighted that many Victorians were unaware of the extent of the damage until the Yoorrook Justice Commission brought these issues to light.

Allan expressed the gravity of the situation, noting that the colonisation of Victoria involved the deliberate stripping of lands, languages, and cultures from Aboriginal communities. She said, “Lands and waters were taken without consent. Communities were displaced, languages silenced, children removed.” The commission found that the sovereignty of First Peoples was never ceded, underscoring a long history of oppression facilitated by colonial laws and policies.

This formal apology comes after a series of initiatives aimed at healing the wounds of the past. The Premier stated, “To ensure that the wrongs of the past are never repeated, we say sorry.” The parliament’s apology extends to acknowledging the pain of the Stolen Generations and the ongoing effects of systemic injustices.

The apology was well-received by many First Nations people, including Jill Gallagher, a former Victorian treaty commissioner, who noted the significance of the moment. “It means our people here in Victoria can start the healing process,” she said. Fellow Gunditjmara elder Uncle Mark Rose remarked that this apology is not merely symbolic; it carries a promise for future action.

On the day of the apology, over 300 First Nations people participated in a smoking ceremony at the parliament, symbolizing a welcome to country. Sheena Watt, the first Indigenous woman in the Victorian parliament, expressed pride in the moment while recognizing the struggles that led to it. “This apology goes further in recognising a lifetime of struggle,” she noted.

Despite the positive reception among many, the apology faced opposition from the Victorian Liberal Party. They criticized the wording related to the treaty process, which they oppose. The motion for the apology passed with 56 votes in favor and 27 against, indicating a division in political support for the reconciliation efforts.

As the apology was delivered, Gallagher criticized the opposition’s stance, stating that Aboriginal people are still treated as “a political football” by some in parliament. The deputy chair of the Yoorrook commission, Travis Lovett, also expressed disappointment at the opposition’s actions, calling them disrespectful.

The apology is framed as a crucial step towards healing and change. Allan emphasized that words alone are insufficient, pledging that the state would pursue the treaty process as a means to ensure lasting change. “Through Treaty, we commit to building a future where the power taken is returned,” she said.

The event marks a pivotal moment in Victoria’s history, as the government seeks to address past injustices and build a more equitable future for Aboriginal communities. The formal apology is not just a recognition of historical wrongs but also a commitment to ongoing dialogue and action, aiming to foster understanding and respect between First Peoples and the state.