Debunking the Cost of Indigenous Treaty
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.
"$380 million was spent negotiating a treaty... 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 annually.
- The claimed cost: $2.34 billion per year
- The actual cost: $70 million per year
The treaty includes provisions such as parliamentary representation for non-Indigenous people identifying as Indigenous, a 'First Peoples' infrastructure fund, and control over school curricula.
AAP FactCheck reveals that the claim of a $2.34 billion annual cost is false.
Author's summary: False claim about treaty costs debunked.