Debunking the Myth: Indigenous Treaty Costs
A false claim has been circulating on social media, stating that Australia's first formal treaty with Indigenous people will cost taxpayers billions of dollars each year.
In reality, the Victorian treaty is expected to cost state taxpayers around $70 million annually, as revealed in a bill introduced to Victoria's parliament.
The claim that the treaty will cost $2.34 billion per year is incorrect, and the actual cost is significantly lower.
- The treaty will establish a 'First Peoples' infrastructure fund.
- It will provide parliamentary representation for non-Indigenous people identifying as Indigenous.
- There will be control over school curricula, but the claim that children will be taught to hate themselves and their country is unfounded.
The actual cost of negotiating the treaty was not $380 million as claimed, but this figure is not verified.
AAP FactCheck has confirmed that the treaty will not cost taxpayers billions of dollars each year.
Author's summary: Indigenous treaty misinformation debunked.