Today’s motion of apology to Victoria’s First Nations people should be an opportunity for the Parliament and the people of Victoria to be unified in acknowledgment of the deep hurts endured by Aboriginal people in this state, and the continued disadvantage they face.
As with Jeff Kennett’s motion of apology in 1997, it is a chance for the Parliament to highlight our collective commitment to addressing Indigenous disadvantage, regardless of differing policy approaches.
Late yesterday afternoon the Premier provided the Liberals and Nationals with a copy of the motion the government will move this morning.
The Liberals and Nationals sought to adopt a collaborative approach to the wording of the apology so that it could be supported by the entire Parliament.
It’s disappointing the motion suggests that the only policy solution to closing the gap is Treaty, and it is regrettable that the Premier has declined the offer to work together to find a form of words that the Parliament could support.
The Liberals and Nationals urge the government not to proceed with their motion as drafted. There is still time for the government to do the right thing, and to enable the opportunity for a great unifying moment in the Parliament.
The differences in approach between the Liberals and Nationals and the government in relation to Treaty represent a policy disagreement on the most effective way to close the gap, not a disagreement on the urgent need to close the gap.
