We, Liberty Victoria, are proud to acknowledge the Traditional Owners across so-called Australia and Victoria where we do our work, and particularly the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong peoples as the Traditional Owners of the land where Liberty Victoria is based. We pay respects to Elders past and present and remember that sovereignty was never ceded.
Liberty Victoria is Australia’s longest serving organisation dedicated to defending and extending civil liberties, the rights recognised by the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic) (Charter) and the rights recognised by national and international law.
This pledge recognises the fundamental human rights of Aboriginal peoples as set out in the Charter, including rights to self-determination and cultural rights to identity, language and kinship.
As an organisation firmly committed to advancing civil liberties, we are committed to walking with the First Peoples’ Assembly on the journey to Treaty and recognise that, when it comes to First Peoples communities and the law, the experts are of course First Peoples.
To help build support for the shared journey to Treaty, we will:
Collaborate:
○ engage with the Assembly to inform our overall policy and planning; and
○ build robust relationships with, and engage in ongoing consultations with,
Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations on our work.
Educate:
○ raise awareness of the significance of Treaty;
○ centre First Nations voices in backing Treaty; and
○ commit to educating our members on the importance of Treaty.
Advocate:
○ back the Assembly at key moments;
○ champion the rights of First Nations people and ensure that our work is
informed by Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations;
○ advocate for law reform that promotes the recognition of First Peoples’ rights
and facilitates the implementation of Treaty commitments;
○ use our platforms to maximise the visibility of our support for Treaty.
Activate:
○ show up for Treaty campaigns, events and calls to action;
○ actively explore First Nations representation in our leadership;
○ track and reflect on how we are upholding our pledge.
By making this pledge, Liberty Victoria affirms our commitment to the self-determination of First Peoples in Victoria as they assert their rights, tell their truths, and chart a path towards, and healing through, Treaty-making. Together, we will create a future where First Peoples’ voices are heard, rights are respected, and justice is realised for generations to come.