Debunking the Myth: Indigenous Treaty Costs
A false claim circulating on social media suggests that Australia's first formal treaty with Indigenous people will cost taxpayers billions of dollars each year.
The Victorian Premier finalised the deal. Under this treaty, non-Indigenous people identifying as Indigenous will have parliamentary representation, a 'First Peoples' infrastructure fund, and control over school curricula.
However, according to a bill introduced to Victoria's parliament, the state treaty will actually cost around $70 million annually, not $2.34 billion as claimed.
- The claimed cost: $2.34 billion per year
- The actual cost: $70 million per year
AAP FACTCHECK has verified that the claim is false, and the treaty's actual costs are significantly lower.
Author's summary: Treaty costs debunked as false claim spreads on social media.