The Victorian Parliament is currently considering the Statewide Treaty Bill 2025, known as the “Treaty for Victoria”, the first treaty between the First Peoples of the State and the Victorian Government. A historic moment and a vital step toward truth and justice, one that could mark a turning point for the entire country. 

First People representatives alongside Jacinta Allan and representative of the Victorian government in the Parliament, October the 14th 2025

For the first time in Australian history, a state is preparing to officially recognise the rights, sovereignty, and voice of its First Peoples.  

Unlike Canada or New Zealand, Australia has never signed a treaty with its First Nations peoples. There has never been a formal framework for negotiation or accountability between the State and the Traditional Owners of this land. 

The Treaty for Victoria seeks to repair that historic absence and build a new relationship founded on respect, recognition, and shared responsibility.   

A step that carries a message of unity and hope for the whole nation. 

The key principles of the treaty 

The Treaty for Victoria is not a single document but a living framework for negotiation between the Government and First Peoples in Victoria.  
Its ambition is clear: to turn recognition into action and establish a fair and enduring partnership.  

👉 Truth and memory: the Yoorrook Justice Commission becomes a permanent pillar 

The treaty makes the Yoorrook Justice Commission a central and lasting part of the reconciliation process. Australia’s first truth-telling body, Yoorrook will continue its work beyond its original mandate so that the truths uncovered about colonisation, dispossession and their consequences guide future agreements. 

For decades, the national story has often overlooked the realities of colonisation: resistance, dispossession and the resilience of First Peoples who have lived on these lands for more than 65,000 years. 
Making truth a permanent pillar means confronting this past openly to build a future based on justice, dignity and mutual respect.

👉 Self-determination: Gellung Warl at the heart of public decision-making 

The Treaty creates Gellung Warl, a permanent First Nations body within the Victorian Government. Its name, which means “tip of the spear” in the Gunaikurnai language, symbolises its role in driving forward change. 

Gellung Warl will ensure that public decisions are made in direct partnership with Traditional Owners, respecting the culture, knowledge and self-determination of Aboriginal communities. 

Each Aboriginal nation will also have the opportunity to negotiate its own agreements with local governments in key areas such as health, education, land management and culture. 

With this step, Victoria becomes the second Australian state to establish permanent Indigenous representation in Parliament, following South Australia in 2023. 

👉 Justice and equality: a framework for real change 

The treaty introduces practical mechanisms to support initiatives led by Aboriginal communities and to ensure that commitments are put into action. 
Dedicated funds and accountability tools will help track progress and strengthen transparency between communities and the government. 

Beyond symbolism, the Treaty for Victoria aims for tangible results: improving lives, rebuilding trust and creating a fairer future for everyone.

A First People representative in the Victorian Parliament to discuss Treaty For Victoria, October the 14th, 2025

Towards a fairer future 

The Treaty for Victoria does not erase years of pain or the injustices of the past. 
But it opens a new path. One of recognition, dialogue and mutual respect. 

"We stand together committed to a better future – one that is just, fair and equitable, and honours the rightful place of First Peoples. Treaty is how we make that future possible."

- Extract of the Treaty 

The bill will be debated in Parliament over the coming months, with a vote expected in 2026, marking the culmination of more than six years of negotiation and leadership. 

It is a historic turning point not only for Victoria but for all of Australia, a moment to face our shared history, listen to the voices too long silenced, and build a future founded on truth, justice and dignity. 

➜ If you wish to receive a supporter pack (stickers and poster of Treaty for Victoria, you can order it here.

Activists and representatives of the Victorian Trades Hall Council showing support for the Treaty for Victoria, September 2025