Victoria has created history as the first Australian state to sign a treaty with First Nations people. The landmark moment comes days after media legend Ray Martin gave a powerful address at the annual Joan Kirner Social Oration on governments’ repeated failures to face up to the true horror of colonisation.

Martin, who discovered his own Indigenous heritage in the 90s with his great-great-grandmother being a member of the Kamilaroi nation, has been a passionate advocate for a better deal for Australia’s first peoples.

He spoke at the State Library of Victoria before an audience of not-for-profit leaders, and was introduced by Carol Schwartz, Australia business leader and chair of Community Directors’ parent company, Our Community. 

The Joan Kirner Social Justice Oration has been held each year since 2011 to commemorate the works of Victoria's first female premier. 

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