The Victorian government has formally apologised for historical injustices inflicted upon Aboriginal people during the colonial era. Premier Jacinta Allan delivered the apology in a statement before parliament, acknowledging that decisions made over the years have denied First Peoples their rights and self-determination.
In her address, Allan described the colonisation of Victoria as “rapid and violent,” noting that Aboriginal communities were systematically stripped of their lands, languages, cultures, and children “not by accident but by design.” This apology marks a significant moment in the ongoing treaty negotiation process, which aims to rectify past wrongs and build a more equitable future.
Allan stated that many Victorians remain unaware of the extent of the damage done to Aboriginal populations, a reality illuminated by the work of the Yoorrook Justice Commission. She emphasised the importance of acknowledging the harm inflicted on generations of First Peoples, declaring, “We acknowledge the harm inflicted on generations of First Peoples—and mark the beginning of a new era, one that embraces truth, honours justice, and creates space for a shared future built in full view of the past.”
The formal apology included a commitment to ensure that such wrongs are never repeated. Allan expressed sorrow for the loss experienced by Aboriginal communities, including the removal of children, the silencing of languages, and the erasure of culture. She stated, “To all the First Peoples in the gallery today, and to every community across this state—we say sorry.”
Commitment to Truth and Reconciliation
The apology highlighted the profound impact of colonial policies and laws, which allowed these injustices to continue without accountability. Allan reiterated that the sovereignty of First Peoples in Victoria was never ceded, a truth upheld by Traditional Owners.
The apology resonated deeply with those present, including former Victorian treaty commissioner Jill Gallagher. Gallagher described the moment as a significant step towards healing for Aboriginal Australians. “It means our people here in Victoria can start the healing process,” she remarked, noting the importance of acknowledging past wrongs.
Many gathered to witness the apology, including over 300 First Nations people who participated in a smoking ceremony led by Wurundjeri elder Uncle Andrew Gardiner. The atmosphere was filled with emotion, as community members expressed hope for a future built on mutual respect and understanding.
Labor MP Sheena Watt, the first Indigenous woman in the Victorian parliament, reflected on the significance of the apology. She noted it extended beyond a mere acknowledgment of past injustices, recognising a lifetime of struggle faced by Aboriginal peoples. “Today is about recognising that decisions made by this parliament all those years ago mean that I can’t do that,” she said, referring to the inability to speak her ancestral language.
Political Reactions and Future Steps
The apology passed the lower house with a vote of 56 to 27, despite opposition from the Victorian Liberal Party, which objected to the reference of the treaty process. Opposition leader Jess Wilson acknowledged that previous governments had caused injustices to Aboriginal Victorians, stating, “For that, we say sorry.”
Gallagher expressed disappointment at the political dynamics surrounding the apology, suggesting that Aboriginal people remain “seen as a political football” in some circles. Deputy chair of the Yoorrook commission, Travis Lovett, condemned attempts to diminish the significance of the apology, labelling them “highly disrespectful and incredibly disappointing.”
The Victorian government aims to ensure that this apology is not merely symbolic. It seeks to establish a pathway to healing and change through the treaty process. Allan concluded with a promise that Victoria would not look away from the truth or the work required to build a brighter future for all its people.
As the state moves forward, the hope is that the apology represents not just an acknowledgment of past wrongs but a commitment to fostering a more inclusive and respectful relationship with Aboriginal communities across Victoria.
