Historic Treaty Marks New Chapter for Indigenous Rights in Australia
In a landmark moment for Australian reconciliation, the state of Victoria has signed the nation's first official treaty with its Indigenous peoples, creating a permanent representative body that will advise the government on matters affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The treaty, which becomes law on December 12, 2025, represents a significant breakthrough in Australia's long and troubled relationship with its First Peoples.
'Today begins a new chapter in the story of our state,' declared Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan during the signing ceremony in Melbourne. 'When people can truly have a say in matters that affect their lives, their prospects improve, and our state becomes more just.'
Breaking from Colonial Legacy
Australia has lagged behind other former colonies like the United States, Canada, and New Zealand in establishing formal agreements with Indigenous populations. Unlike these nations, Australia never signed treaties with its original inhabitants following British colonization in 1788. The colonial period saw systematic displacement, violence, and policies like the 'White Australia' policy that persisted until the 1970s, during which Indigenous children were forcibly removed from their families.
The treaty establishes the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria as a permanent authority under the umbrella body Gellung Warl, which means 'pointed spear' in Gunaikurnai language. This body will have decision-making power on specific matters directly affecting Indigenous people and includes an independent accountability mechanism as required by the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
Path to Reconciliation
The treaty process began in 2016 with the establishment of the Aboriginal Representative Body, which evolved into the First Peoples' Assembly. The Assembly held its first elections in 2019 and saw record voter turnout in 2023 elections that selected 22 new representatives from 75 candidates.
Gunditjmara woman Jill Gallagher described the treaty as representing 'the story of the Aboriginal people's resistance' and called it a 'turning point' for healing old wounds and building new relationships based on truth and mutual respect.
A legal expert from the University of New South Wales noted that 'this moment will influence treaty discussions across the rest of the country,' highlighting the potential national significance of Victoria's breakthrough.
Context of National Struggle
The treaty achievement comes just two years after Australians rejected a national referendum that would have created an Indigenous Voice to Parliament. In October 2023, nearly 60% of voters opposed the constitutional amendment that would have recognized Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as Australia's First Peoples and given them an advisory role in the constitution.
This contrast between state-level progress and national resistance underscores the complex landscape of Indigenous rights in Australia. While Victoria moves forward with formal recognition and representation, the national conversation remains divided.
Addressing Historical Injustices
The treaty includes formal apologies to Indigenous peoples and establishes mechanisms for truth-telling about historical injustices. It builds on the work of the Yoorrook Justice Commission, which has been investigating historical and ongoing injustices experienced by First Peoples in Victoria.
Australia's approximately one million Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to score below national averages on virtually all socioeconomic indicators, including life expectancy, education outcomes, and employment rates. The treaty aims to address these disparities by giving Indigenous communities direct input into policies affecting their health, housing, education, and cultural preservation.
As Premier Allan emphasized, the treaty represents more than symbolic recognition—it's about practical improvements in Indigenous lives and creating a more equitable society for all Victorians.