It is a pleasure to rise and speak to the Statewide Treaty Bill 2025. In my inaugural speech in this place as the member for Bellarine, I began not with myself but with those who came long before me. I acknowledged the First Nations people of this state, in particular the Wadawurrung people, traditional custodians of the Bellarine region, and I do so again today. I thank them sincerely for their enduring care of our land, skies and waterways and pay my deep respects to their culture, elders, past and present and generations to come.

The Bellarine Peninsula, known as Bella Wiyn in Wadawurrung language, means to recline on an elbow by the fire – a resting place of gathering and safety. And what a magnificent resting place it is. But a resting place is only truly worthy of that name when we all who live upon it are treated with dignity and justice. In that same inaugural speech I said it was a profound honour to stand here and commit myself to supporting First Nations people on their rightful journey to self-determination and treaty. And today, through this bill, I have the privilege of fulfilling that commitment not only in words but in action, speaking here on behalf of the people of Bella Wiyn.

I used to be a primary school teacher, and I think I will always be a teacher at heart. Teachers know and believe in listening, learning and, most importantly, doing better once you know better. I was not taught full stories of Aboriginal history when I was at school, and later, when becoming a teacher, I would come to learn what we were asked to deliver was not the whole truth. It was partial, it was sanitised and it was convenient. As a result of that, we have a nation that has far too long looked away from the painful truths that lie at its foundation – policies that removed children; laws that denied language, land and liberties; and systems that excluded First Nations people from decision-making while making decisions about them. Generations have suffered the consequences of those choices, and those inequalities are not relics of the past. They still live with us today in health outcomes, incarceration rates and life expectancies.

But today, through the treaty process, we choose a different path, a path long called for, patiently and courageously, by First Nations people across decades. Their request has been pretty clear: not privilege, not special treatment but partnership, a genuine say in the decisions that affect their lives. This is not a radical demand. It is the very essence of fairness. Treaty is not about division. It is not about blame. It is about responsibility. It is about healing. Treaties have been signed in nations like New Zealand and Canada, and they stand as proof that truth does not weaken a country, it strengthens it. Victoria is leading this nation. We have been walking a truth and treaty path for nearly a decade, slowly, carefully and respectfully, and now we are ready to take that next step.

So what does treaty do? It ensures that policies are developed with First Nations people, not without them. It gives them a voice in shaping solutions around housing, education, health, land, culture and language. It does not take away anyone’s rights. It ensures that every Victorian has the same access to opportunity, dignity and respect. Treaty is not just for our First Nations people, it is for all of us. It invites all Victorians to know our shared history, not just its victories but its wounds, so that we can heal together.

Often – as is the case with legislation of great significance – constituents will write to me with their concerns or thoughts, and I welcome that. Democracy is at its best when people are engaged. But I say gently to those who have been misled by misinformation: do not let fear be your compass. Reach out, ask questions. Seek truth, not rumours. This place, this Parliament, must be a house of truth. We may disagree, but we should never deceive.

Earlier this year I took part in the remarkable Walk for Truth, raising awareness of the Yoorrook Justice Commission. As asked, I walked alongside First Nations people – not in front, not behind, but alongside. Yoorrook commissioner Travis Lovett reminded us that this is what reconciliation looks like and how it begins, shoulder to shoulder.

Recently, a Bellarine constituent named Sophie wrote to me. She said:

Let’s be proud of the rich, deep connection, culture, our First Nations people. Let’s step forward in this treaty process together, knowing that this is going to make us a better, more honest, respectful and just society.

And that is exactly what we are doing here today. We are standing for our neighbours, our teachers, our artists, our leaders and our storytellers, for people who have cared for this land for thousands upon thousands of years. We already, rightly, celebrate those who have come across the sea in search of a better life. And today we honour those who never left, those ancestors who stood on this land before maps were drawn and names were given, those who have endured with grace, strength and resilience despite everything being taken.

Let us not admire that resilience, let us honour it – with respect, with recognition, with treaty.

I am going to conclude pretty plainly. I am going to say this in my last remarks. I am not just voting on a bill. I am voting for truth, I am voting for healing, I am voting for justice, and I am voting for the kind of future my children and all our children can look back on with pride. Let this be a moment we move beyond symbolism into substance, and let us say that Victoria did not hesitate when history called. Let us together build a future worthy of Bella Wiyn, a resting place where all can find belonging. I commend this bill to the house.