Debunking the Cost of Victoria's Indigenous Treaty
A false claim circulating on social media states that Australia's first formal treaty with Indigenous people will cost taxpayers billions of dollars each year.
The claim, among others, is made in an X post that has spread across social media, stating "$380 million was spent negotiating a treaty" and "This fiasco will cost Victorian taxpayers 2.34 billion per year."
However, according to a bill introduced to Victoria's parliament, the state treaty will actually cost around $70 million a year, not billions.
- The treaty will provide parliamentary representation for non-Indigenous people identifying as Indigenous.
- A 'First Peoples' infrastructure fund will be established.
- There will be control over school curricula.
AAP FACTCHECK has confirmed that the claim of a $2.34 billion annual cost is false, with the actual cost being significantly lower at $70 million annually.
Author's summary: False claim about treaty costs debunked.