13Statement of Recognition

13 Statement of Recognition

(1) The Parliament recognises that Aboriginal people in Victoria are First Nations people of Australia and acknowledges their enduring connection to Country, kin, land and culture.

(2) The Parliament acknowledges the following—

(a) that Aboriginal self-determination serves as a foundational principle to improve mental health and wellbeing outcomes of Aboriginal people in Victoria;

(b) the lasting impact of laws, practices and policies on the mental health and wellbeing outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people since colonisation and enduring to this day;

(c) cultural dislocation, oppression, intergenerational trauma, lack of healing, systemic racism, institutionalised inequality and the loss of land, lore and language continue to harm the mental health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people in Victoria today;

(d) the strength of Aboriginal people, culture, kinship and communities in the face of historical and ongoing injustices;

(e) Aboriginal people's ongoing connection to culture, community and Country and the importance of this connection for the mental health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people in Victoria.

(3) It is the intention of Parliament that the mental health system recognises, respects and supports the distinct cultural rights of Aboriginal people and their right to receive culturally safe holistic mental health and wellbeing services throughout Victoria.

(4) The Parliament supports initiatives which address the ongoing mental health inequalities experienced by Aboriginal people in Victoria.

(5) The Parliament recognises the essential role of Aboriginal community controlled health organisations in meeting the mental health and wellbeing and care needs of Aboriginal people in Victoria.

(6) The Parliament supports the development of future reforms which further Aboriginal self‑determination within mental health and wellbeing services in Victoria.