The future of Australia’s first state Treaty has been thrown into doubt, with the Victorian Opposition pledging to repeal the landmark legislation within 100 days if it wins government in 2026.
The commitment came as Parliament today debated the historic Treaty Bill, which would make the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria a permanent elected body representing Traditional Owners and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across the state.
The bill, finalised after almost a year of negotiations between the Assembly and the state government, is expected to pass both houses with Labor and crossbench support.
The newly proposed legislation aims to empower the Assembly with the ability to consult on government policies and hold ministers accountable through public hearings. These reforms are heralded as significant strides toward self-determination and efforts to Close the Gap.
But the Opposition says it will move swiftly to dismantle the Treaty framework if elected.
Nationals MP and Opposition Aboriginal Affairs spokesperson Melina Bath said the Coalition would replace the legislation with a new department, First Nations Victoria, and an unelected advisory body.
“Not only do we oppose Treaty that’s passing the lower house today – we will repeal that within the first 100 days,” Ms Bath said.
“We don’t believe Treaty is the best way to close the gap and deliver better outcomes for Indigenous communities.”
The Coalition’s plan would centralise Aboriginal affairs under a single minister and publish quarterly updates on Closing the Gap targets.
Liberal Leader Brad Battin said Labor had “failed to deliver real change” and promised to take a “practical” approach to Indigenous policy.
“Our commitment is to work alongside Aboriginal organisations, Elders and communities to ensure that every initiative is grounded in cultural safety, trust and local knowledge,” he said.
However, the announcement has sparked intense criticism from both the government and the Assembly. They argue that this move threatens to unravel decades of progress previously achieved.
First Peoples’ Assembly Co-Chair Ngarra Murray, a Wamba Wamba, Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung and Dhudhuroa woman, told Parliament that Treaty was about putting an end to top-down policy-making.
“The time for paternalistic governments making decisions on behalf of our people ends with this Treaty,” she said.
“Our people will no longer tolerate being the political football that politicians kick around looking to further their own selfish interests.”
Her fellow Co-Chair Rueben Berg, a Gunditjmara man, said the goal of Treaty was to strengthen the state, not divide it.
In defense of the proposal, a spokesperson emphasized that the intention is not to create division within Victoria, but rather to complete its social fabric. “We do this not to take anything away from anyone, but to make this place more whole for everyone,” they stated.
Premier Jacinta Allan condemned the Opposition’s pledge, saying it would “tear down” a decade of work between governments and First Peoples.
“Their first priority if they have the privilege of forming government is not to build the future – it’s to tear it down,” she said.
Despite the political divide, the bill marks a significant moment for Victoria – and comes exactly two years after the national Voice referendum.
As discussions persist, members of the Assembly are calling on MPs to support the legislation, urging them to “enable meaningful change” for the community.
