Victoria has become the first state in Australia to legislate a treaty with its Indigenous peoples. The upper house of state parliament erupted in cheers last night as the vote passed, with supporting politicians applauding the Indigenous leaders in the public gallery for a full minute.
The treaty formally recognises the “unceded connection” Victoria’s First Nations peoples have with their land, acknowledges “historic wrongs and ongoing injustices,” and seeks to create a “renewed relationship” between Indigenous communities and the state.
Assembly co-chair and Wamba Wamba, Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung, and Dhudhuroa woman Ngarra Murray described the passage as a “historic moment for our people.” She said, “We will tell our children about today, and they will tell their children, passing down to future generations the story of how decades of Aboriginal resilience and activism led to Australia’s first Treaty.” She added that the treaty marks the start of a new era where First Peoples’ 60,000 years of knowledge and culture are respected and celebrated, offering all Victorians a chance to acknowledge shared history, heal, and move forward together.
The bill establishes Gellung Warl, incorporating the existing First Peoples Assembly as its decision-making body, Nyerna Yoorrook Telkuna as its truth-telling body, and Nginma Ngainga Wara as its accountability arm. Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn said the legislation aims to reset the relationship between First Peoples and the state, ensuring Aboriginal voices have opportunities for self-determination and meaningful advice to government.
The next step will see Premier Jacinta Allan and members of Victoria’s First Nations people sign the official treaty at Government House in two weeks. Assembly co-chair and Gunditjmara man Rueben Berg stated that the treaty recognises Indigenous people as the experts on their own lives, allowing them to provide practical solutions for local communities in areas such as health, education, housing, and justice, leading to better outcomes for First Peoples.
The bill passed 21 votes to 16, with crossbench support from the Greens, Animal Justice Party, and Legalise Cannabis Victoria. Opposition came from the Liberals, Nationals, Shooters, Fishers and Farmers, Libertarian, and One Nation members, who criticised the treaty as potentially divisive, raised accountability concerns, and questioned funding. Opposition Leader Brad Battin warned that the cost to Victorian taxpayers could reach billions, arguing the money would be better spent on closing the gap.
