2023-01-25
NSW Greens mark 235 years since invasion with commitment to Truth, Treaty and Dedicated Seats in Parliament
The Greens yesterday marked their commitment to First Nations justice, announcing their plans for Truth-telling, Treaty and dedicated seats in both houses of the NSW Parliament ahead of the 235th anniversary of British invasion in NSW. In the heartland of Aboriginal resistance, Redfern, Greens Upper House Candidate, Wiradjuri and Badu Island woman, Lynda-June Coe put forward the Greens commitment to establishing a Treaty Commision to commence a NSW Treaty process and a Truth and Justice Commision with the powers of a Royal Commission that will instigate Truth-telling across the State. If elected, Lynda-June Coe will be the first, First Nations Greens member elected to the NSW Parliament.
The announcement was followed by a standing-room-only community forum at Redfern Centre for Indigenous Excellence with Senator Lidia Thorpe, Councillor Dominic WY Kanak and Lynda-June Coe.
Lynda-June Coe said: “The Greens plan will see the much-needed transformation in the relationship between First Nations people and government. NSW is behind on progressing a Treaty. A Treaty is a crucial step towards reconciling our past, rebalancing power and restoring the political rights of Indigenous Nations here in NSW. A Treaty with First Nations in NSW will deliver structural change and stamp out institutionalised and systemic racism through redress, reparations and proper reconciliation.
“The major parties continue with performative politics and rather than providing practical and tangible solutions for our mob – such as implementing the recommendations of the Family is Culture report and Bringing them Home report in full,” she said.
“The Greens NSW understand that only a First Nations led model for Treaty and self-determination will be effective in delivering justice and healing for their communities."
“An Independent Treaty Commission, Truth and Justice Commission and dedicated seats in the NSW Parliament will change the trajectory and shape a future based on empowerment,” Lynda-June said.
Greens Senator for Victoria and staunch Treaty advocate Lidia Thorpe said:
“We’re coming up to Invasion Day, the day that this country was invaded, the day that a war was declared on First Nations people in this country and a time where we still don’t have a Treaty and it’s 2023."
“A Treaty is an end to a war that was declared on us in 1788. We demand peace for First Nations people in this country and only a Treaty will deliver that."
“We are sick of hearing about government after government tinkering around the edges on our rights as First Nations people in this country."
“I am so honoured and so privileged to stand by a staunch Blak activist, that’s going to take that fight for a Treaty, into the NSW Parliament.” Lidia said."