Victoria has become the first state or territory in Australia to pass legislation for a Treaty with First Peoples, marking what Premier Jacinta Allan called “a fairer, stronger Victoria for everyone.”
The Statewide Treaty Bill passed through Parliament this week, setting the stage for the Treaty Agreement to be signed by the Victorian Government and the First Peoples’ Assembly once it receives Royal Assent. The ceremonial exchange will take place at Federation Square on 12 December 2025.
The legislation formalises nearly a decade of work towards Truth and Treaty, and establishes a new relationship between the state and First Peoples based on respect, trust, and integrity.
Premier Jacinta Allan said the agreement will give Aboriginal communities the ability to shape the decisions that affect them. “Treaty gives Aboriginal communities the power to shape the policies and services that affect their lives,” she said. “This is how we build a fairer, stronger Victoria for everyone.”
Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Natalie Hutchins said the passage of the Bill was a historic moment. “Treaty is about acknowledging the truth of our past and working on a future built on mutual understanding and respect for First Peoples,” she said. “This is a historic moment for Victoria – today we’ve taken a major step forward in building a future that empowers and respects First Nations Victorians.”
The Treaty is expected to establish a framework for ongoing negotiations and self-determination. Supporters say it represents a crucial step towards closing the gap and improving social and economic outcomes for Aboriginal families by giving communities greater control over their lives.
The opposition, however, has vowed to repeal the agreement if elected. The Liberals said while they support improving outcomes for Aboriginal Victorians, they do not believe a Treaty is the best approach. Shadow Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Melina Bath said the party would instead establish a new government department, First Nations Victoria, to oversee Closing the Gap targets and service delivery in regional areas.
“We are happy and willing to always listen to leaders in our community, in our Aboriginal communities, but this policy will be about across the board, listening to all voices, not just the First Peoples’ Assembly,” Ms Bath said.
Opposition Leader Brad Battin described the party’s alternative as “a positive plan.” He said the government’s proposal risks creating another level of decision-making, adding: “There’s a big difference from running an advisory group, to having an elected group come into the Parliament and operate effectively as another level of government.”
Despite the opposition’s stance, the Treaty Bill passed with the support of Labor and the Greens, making Victoria the first jurisdiction in Australia to legislate a statewide agreement with First Peoples.
The next steps will see the Bill signed into law, followed by the official ceremony in December—a milestone moment that supporters hope will be remembered as a turning point in Australia’s relationship with its First Peoples.
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