The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad has spoken in Parliament to express her opposition to the Statewide Treaty Bill 2025, citing concerns about transparency, accountability, and the future of Victoria’s democratic system.
“This legislation represents the most significant change to our system of government in the history of this chamber.”
Ms Broad emphasised the importance of upholding core parliamentary values – integrity, accountability, and respect for all Victorians – while raising serious concerns about the bill’s implications.
“This bill establishes a separate system of law and regulation based on race. It creates a statutory authority with far-reaching powers, exempt from ministerial oversight and key public accountability measures.”
Ms Broad is a member of Parliament’s Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee which recently provided a report on the Treaty legislation.
Ms Broad said the report noted that the proposed body, Gellung Warl, would operate independently of Parliament and ministers, with the ability to set its own rules and standards.
“Key terms such as ‘entity’ are undefined, and the bill limits parliamentary oversight.”
Ms Broad also raised concerns about exemptions from land tax, payroll tax, and freedom of information laws, as well as the exclusion of culturally sensitive records from public access.
“We must learn from history. Giving privileges based on race risks repeating past mistakes.
“Equality before the law has been the foundation of our success as a democracy and as a nation, and we should protect it.”
Ms Broad acknowledged the shared desire across Parliament to support Indigenous communities but advocated for a practical, inclusive approach.
“We do not support Treaty as the best way to achieve these aims and are opposing the legislation currently before Parliament to implement it. We have committed to repealing Treaty should we be elected to Government next year.
“We believe that all Victorians should be given equal treatment, equality of opportunity and justice, irrespective of their race or background
“We believe in working with local communities to deliver real outcomes and remain committed to governing for all Victorians.
“There is a better way to support reconciliation, and it is by bringing people together, not through further division.”
Ms Broad also thanked her colleague Melina Bath, Shadow Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, for her work engaging with communities across Victoria.
You can view the Hansard of Gaelle Broad’s contribution to Parliament here:
Hansard search – Parliament of Victoria
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.au
