AbSec – NSW Child, Family and Community Peak Aboriginal Corporation – acknowledges the historic progress made in Victoria this week through the agreement between the First Peoples’ Assembly and the Victorian Government.
Victoria now holds the most advanced Treaty process in the country. The agreement demonstrates how shared decision making is the pathway towards truth, justice, and self-determination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
AbSec CEO John Leha said the moment should inspire action across Australia.
“Treaty is about respect, healing and a fair relationship. It recognises our sovereignty and invests in systems that are led by community, not imposed on us,” Mr Leha said.
“When we sit at the decision-making table, we design solutions that keep our children safe, connected and strong in culture. That’s when change becomes real, not symbolic.”
He said the Victorian agreement should be a reminder that communities cannot afford inertia in states like New South Wales, where outcomes are worsening.
“In NSW, the situation for our families is getting harder, not better. We have seen a 25.5 percent increase in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children entering care and the lowest restoration rates of our children to their families in the country with the lowest number of restorations in years for the year ending June 2025,” Mr Leha said.
“That is not a system keeping children safe. That is a system failing to work with Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families in a way that is culturally strong, fair and accountable.”
Treaty as a pathway to better outcomes
AbSec believes Treaty has the potential to drive meaningful change, by shifting power back to community and creating the conditions for prevention, healing and family-led decision-making.
“Every day we see systems designed without us, and the results are heartbreaking,” Mr Leha said.
“When communities lead, children stay with family and connected to culture. That’s the future Treaty makes possible.”
A call for momentum
AbSec urges governments in New South Wales and nationally to commit to Treaty pathways, truth-telling and shared governance and decision making with Aboriginal peoples’
“Communities are ready. ACCOs are ready. When will the New South Wales government be ready to work with us and deliver real change and better outcomes for our children and families” Mr Leha said.
“What we need now is political will and a genuine partnership with Aboriginal people. Our children deserve nothing less.”
