Victoria’s Premier Apologizes to First Peoples for Colonial Wrongs

The government of Victoria, Australia, has issued a formal apology to the state’s Aboriginal population for historical injustices stemming from colonization. In a statement made before parliament on March 15, 2024, Premier Jacinta Allan acknowledged that the state and its predecessor colony had inflicted significant harm on Aboriginal communities through both actions and inactions.

In her address, Allan described the colonization of Victoria as “rapid and violent,” emphasizing how Aboriginal people were systematically dispossessed of their lands, languages, cultures, and children. “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,” she stated.

Allan’s apology is part of the ongoing treaty negotiation process, which aims to rectify historical grievances. She noted that many residents of Victoria were unaware of the extent of the injustices until the findings of the Yoorrook Justice Commission were made public. “Now that we have a statewide treaty—a negotiated agreement between equals—we can begin to say what should have been said long ago,” she remarked.

The Premier’s statement included a direct apology for various historical injustices, including laws that removed children, criminalized cultural practices, and erased languages. “For the laws, the policies, and the decisions of this Parliament and those that came before it that took land, removed children, and broke families, we say sorry,” she said.

The atmosphere in the chamber was charged with emotion as members of the Aboriginal community, including former Victorian treaty commissioner Jill Gallagher, witnessed the historic moment. Gallagher expressed that the apology was a critical step towards healing. “It means our people here in Victoria can start the healing process, to acknowledge all those bad things that happened to our communities,” she told Guardian Australia.

Many Aboriginal leaders, including Gunditjmara elder Uncle Mark Rose, attended the session. Rose highlighted the importance of the apology’s promise, stating, “It’s not just saying sorry; it’s about doing something about it.” The presence of over 300 First Nations individuals at the parliament, participating in a smoking ceremony, underscored the significance of the occasion.

The apology has garnered mixed reactions. The Victorian Liberal Party opposed the wording, particularly its connection to the treaty process, which they aim to dismantle if elected in 2026. Opposition leader Jess Wilson acknowledged past injustices but urged a more comprehensive approach to Aboriginal affairs.

In contrast, Labor MP Sheena Watt, the first Indigenous woman in the Victorian parliament, expressed both pride and sorrow during the event. She reflected on the impact of previous decisions made by the parliament, including the inability to speak her ancestral language. “Today is about recognizing that decisions made by this parliament all those years ago mean that I can’t do that,” she stated.

The apology serves as a pivotal moment in Victoria’s history, marking a commitment to confront the injustices of the past. It emphasizes that words alone are insufficient and that actions must follow to ensure a meaningful reconciliation process. Premier Allan concluded by stating, “Victoria will not look away. Not from the truth. Not from the work. Not from you.”

As the state embarks on this journey of healing, the promise of the treaty and the commitment to uphold justice remain at the forefront of the dialogue between the government and First Peoples. The legacy of past harms should guide future interactions, fostering a relationship built on respect and equality.