The treaty legislation is being introduced into state parliament on Tuesday. Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Natalie Hutchins with First Peoples' Assembly co-chairs Ngarra Murray and Rueben Berg at a press conference to speak about the legislation.
Share and Follow

Victoria has become the first state or territory to introduce a treaty bill to parliament.

Treaty legislation is expected to be formally tabled in state parliament today and, if passed, will enshrine the First Peoples’ Assembly under an authority known as Gellung Warl.

The assembly, which was was first created in 2019 to elect Indigenous people to negotiate a treaty on their behalf, will have the power to make rulings on matters which directly impact First Peoples communities in Victoria.
The treaty legislation is being introduced into state parliament on Tuesday. Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Natalie Hutchins with First Peoples' Assembly co-chairs Ngarra Murray and Rueben Berg at a press conference to speak about the legislation.
The treaty legislation is being introduced into state parliament today. (Justin McManus)

Following the passage of the treaty in parliament, the assembly will be consulted by the state government on any laws or policies which impact First Peoples communities.

It will also lead “truth-telling and healing” across Victorian towns and regions.

A key part of the treaty will see Indigenous truth-telling embedded into the state’s school curriculum and the negotiation of an official apology to First Peoples in parliament.

Among the reforms in the treaty agreement will also be “increased opportunities for the use of traditional or language place names” in Victoria.

The historic state-wide treaty aims to “bring together First Peoples and the Victorian government to build a new relationship based on respect, trust and integrity”.

The Age, News, 09/09/2025, photo by Justin McManus. The treaty legislation is being introduced into state parliament on Tuesday. Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Natalie Hutchins with First Peoples' Assembly co-chairs Ngarra Murray and Rueben Berg at a press conference to speak about the legislation. Co-Chair Ngarra Murray
Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Natalie Hutchins with First Peoples’ Assembly co-chairs Ngarra Murray and Rueben Berg. (Justin McManus)

“In Victoria, we have been on a long and steady path to Truth and Treaty for nearly a decade. We have passed legislation twice, developed policies, and made commitments across the government,” a joint statement from the Victorian government and First People’s Assembly of Victoria reads.

“We have taken the time required to lay strong foundations for Treaty, and this Bill represents a historical milestone in this journey.”

Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan described the treaty bill as “commonsense”.

”We know already governments are spending huge amounts of money seeking to close the gap, but it’s not working,” she said.

“It puts into the law the changes that will give Aboriginal people a say about how services and programs that are for Aboriginal Victorians are run.”

The treaty is the first in Australia between a state government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Victoria Sets Precedent: Historic Treaty Legislation Passes Parliament

Victoria has made history as the first state or territory in Australia…
Millions facing storms 'every day' for nearly a week

Severe Weather Strikes: Millions Endure Week-Long Storms

Australia’s south-east is bracing for a series of showers and thunderstorms today,…
Council introduces cat law with owners facing household limit and $300 fine

New Cat Ownership Rules: Council Imposes Household Limits and $300 Fines

The City of Melville in Perth has enacted a contentious new regulation…
New laws to give Queensland parents access to child sex offender registry

Queensland Parents Gain Crucial Insight with New Child Sex Offender Registry Access Laws

Queensland parents will soon be able to access the names and photos…

Prince Andrew Loses Royal Title and Moves Out of Windsor Mansion

Buckingham Palace has announced that Prince Andrew will be stripped of his…

Senate Faces Turmoil Amid Allegations of Coalition Suppressing Women’s Voices

“I want to ask a question to inform the women in my…
Liam Lawson sensationally blamed for near-miss at Mexican Grand Prix after marshals ran onto the track in front of him

Marshals’ Track Blunder: Liam Lawson Unfairly Blamed for Mexican Grand Prix Near-Miss

In a surprising move, officials at the Mexican Grand Prix have responded…
This satellite image taken by Airbus DS shows objects on the ground at a former children's hospital that has been in the hands of the Rapid Support Forces for some time in el-Fasher, Sudan, Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025.

Tragic Hospital Attack Claims Hundreds of Lives in Shocking Massacre

Note: This article contains graphic content that may be disturbing for some…