Victoria Forges Historic Treaty wiht Indigenous Conventional Owners, a First for Australia
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A landmark agreement passed by the victorian Parliament marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s journey toward reconciliation, establishing the first formal treaty with Indigenous traditional owners in Australia. The statewide treaty bill passed the upper house on Thursday evening by a vote of 21 to 16, following two days of robust debate.
The passage of this legislation represents a monumental step forward, acknowledging the deep-rooted history and ongoing rights of first Peoples. As the vote was confirmed, celebrations erupted in the public gallery, with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags proudly displayed.
“Decades of Aboriginal resilience and activism led to Australia’s first treaty.”
The treaty signifies a new era, one where the 60,000 years of knowledge and culture held by First Peoples will be respected and celebrated. Berg emphasized the treaty’s recognition of Aboriginal peopel as experts in their own lives. “Through treaty, we will have the ability to use our expertise to come up with and deliver practical solutions for our local communities, in areas like health, education, housing and justice,” he explained. “this will mean better outcomes for our people as we know what does and doesn’t work for us.”
A Decade of Work Culminates in Landmark Legislation
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan hailed the treaty as the result of nearly ten years of dedicated work by the state Labour government, beginning in 2016, and the tireless efforts of First Nations advocates. “Treaty gives Aboriginal communities the power to shape the policies and services that affect their lives,” Allan said. “This is how we build a fairer, stronger Victoria for everyone.”
The legislation formally establishes the First Peoples’ Assembly as a permanent representative body, advising the government through a new statutory corporation called Gellung Warl. The assembly will have the authority to make representations, provide advice, and question ministers, with government departments mandated to consult with the assembly on all laws and policies impacting First Peoples. Importantly, the assembly will not possess veto powers.
Truth-Telling and Accountability at the Core of the Agreement
Gellung Warl will also encompass a truth-telling body,known as Nyerna Yoorrook Telkuna,and an accountability body,nginma Ngainga Wara. The latter will ensure the government adheres to its commitments outlined in the national agreement on closing the gap – a critical initiative aimed at addressing systemic inequalities faced by Indigenous Australians.
Beyond these core functions, the treaty outlines responsibilities including confirming Aboriginal identity, managing community infrastructure and cultural programs, and establishing an education institute focused on Indigenous leadership and skills training.
Treaty Details and Future Celebrations
With the bill now law, the government and the assembly will formally sign the 34-page treaty agreement. This agreement includes commitments to reshape the school curriculum to incorporate truth-telling about Australia’s colonial history, deliver a formal apology to First Peoples in parliament, and increase the use of traditional placenames across Victoria.A public celebration is planned in Melbourne to commemorate this historic achievement.
This move positions Victoria as the first Australian state to fully embrace the Voice, Treaty, and Truth pillars of reform, as articulated in the landmark 2017 Uluru Statement from the heart. The statement, created by indigenous leaders, calls for constitutional recognition and a more just future for First Nations people.
Political Opposition and Future Uncertainty
The treaty process initially garnered bipartisan support, but the Liberal-National Coalition, the state’s centre-right opposition, withdrew its backing following the defeat of the 2023 national referendum on enshrining an indigenous Voice to Parliament in the constitution. Approximately 60% of Australians voted against the proposed constitutional amendment. The Coalition has since pledged to repeal the treaty within 100 days of assuming office shoudl they win the state election in november 2026, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the future of this historic agreement.
