Australia’s first Treaty process officially began with a ceremonial signing and public event at Melbourne’s John Cain Arena, marking a historic milestone for Victoria and its relationship with First Peoples.
Premier Jacinta Allan, Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Natalie Hutchins, and Co-Chairs of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria Ngarra Murray and Rueben Berg attended the event, which signalled the formal commencement of Treaty negotiations between the Victorian Government and First Peoples.
The ceremony followed the Royal Assent of the Statewide Treaty Bill on 13 November 2025. That legislation established Gellung Warl as a permanent structure for Treaty-making in Victoria, bringing together the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, a truth-telling function and an independent accountability mechanism. Together, these bodies are intended to provide a framework for negotiations and oversight as the process moves forward.
Treaty has been framed by the Victorian Government as a pathway for acknowledging historical injustice and addressing ongoing disparities faced by First Peoples. Supporters argue it offers a structured way to work through issues such as decision-making, self-determination and practical reforms aimed at improving social and economic outcomes. At the same time, the process is expected to unfold over years rather than months, with outcomes shaped by negotiation, consultation and public scrutiny.
Symbolism played a central role in the commencement ceremony. A woomera and spear were brought together to represent the beginning of a new formal relationship between First Peoples and the state. Ochre handprints were placed on kangaroo skin by the Premier, the Minister and the Assembly’s Co-Chairs, creating a physical representation of the Treaty. The Treaty Authority then formally declared the commencement in line with its established rules.
The public event also featured performances by a range of well-known Australian artists, including Alice Skye, Baker Boy, Briggs, Uncle Kutcha Edwards, Deborah Cheetham, Missy Higgins and Paul Kelly. The evening concluded with a special appearance by Yothu Yindi, who performed their song Treaty, a moment that resonated with many in the audience given the long history of calls for formal agreements between governments and First Nations peoples.
While the commencement marks a clear turning point, it also brings renewed attention to the complexity of Treaty-making. Questions remain around how agreements will be structured, how diverse First Nations voices will be represented, and how outcomes will be measured and enforced. Critics have previously cautioned that expectations must be managed carefully, noting that progress will depend on sustained political commitment and genuine engagement rather than symbolism alone.
For the Victorian Government and the First Peoples’ Assembly, the focus now shifts from ceremony to process. Negotiations, truth-telling and accountability mechanisms are set to play a central role as Treaty discussions take shape. Observers across the country are watching closely, as Victoria’s approach is likely to influence how other jurisdictions consider similar pathways in the years ahead.
The commencement at John Cain Arena does not resolve the challenges ahead, but it formally opens a new chapter in Victoria’s history, one defined by dialogue, negotiation and the possibility of long-term structural change.
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