Victorian State Opposition Pulls Support for Indigenous Treaty

Victoria’s opposition has withdrawn support for a formal treaty between the state and local Indigenous communities, citing concerns around transparency as well as delays to construction and new developments. The move follows that of the state Queensland opposition late last year, which withdrew its support for a treaty following the national defeat of The Voice referendum on Oct. 14. Victorian Nationals leader and shadow spokesperson for Aboriginal Affairs, Peter Walsh, said the party had concerns about cultural heritage laws and their impact on development in the state. “I share those concerns that developers have been saying and that is being exacerbated by the Bunurong Land Council going into administration, which covers most of the greater area of Melbourne,” he told Sky News on Jan. 21....