Historic Treaty Marks New Era for Indigenous Rights in Australia
In a landmark moment for Indigenous rights, the Australian state of Victoria has passed the nation's first treaty with Aboriginal peoples, establishing a permanent framework for self-determination and truth-telling. The legislation, passed on October 30, 2025, creates the Gellung Warl body - meaning 'tip of the spear' in the Gunaikurnai language - which will serve as a democratically elected representative organization for First Peoples.
'This treaty gives the Aboriginal community the power to shape policies that affect their lives,' said Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan during the emotional parliamentary session. 'We're building a fairer and stronger Victoria for everyone.'
Overcoming National Setback
The state-level breakthrough comes just two years after a national referendum on constitutional recognition for Indigenous Australians failed in 2023. That proposal, which would have created a Voice to Parliament for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, was rejected by nearly 60% of voters despite strong support from Indigenous communities.
Victoria's treaty represents a different approach - focusing on state-level agreements rather than constitutional change. 'We can show the rest of Australia that this is nothing to be afraid of,' said Jill Gallagher, director of the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation. 'In fact, this brings us closer together.'
Addressing Historical Injustices
The treaty builds on the work of the Yoorrook Justice Commission, Australia's first formal truth-telling body, which documented the devastating impact of colonization on Victoria's Indigenous population. The commission found that within twenty years of British settlement beginning in 1788, over three-quarters of Victoria's Aboriginal population had been killed - a finding the commission described as genocide.
The historical context is stark: Indigenous Australians represent 3.8% of the population but face significant disadvantages across health, education, employment, and justice outcomes. Aboriginal people live on average nine years less than non-Indigenous Australians, suicide rates are more than double, and Indigenous people are dramatically overrepresented in prisons.
Treaty Framework and Implementation
The treaty establishes several key institutions with Aboriginal language names reflecting cultural significance:
- Gellung Warl - The permanent representative body that will be consulted on all laws and policies affecting Indigenous Victorians
- Nyerna Yoorrook Telkuna - Meaning 'to sit, listen, hear, remember truth to cure and heal' in Wamba Wamba/Wemba Wemba language, this body continues the truth-telling work
- Nginma Ngainga Wara - The accountability commission monitoring government programs
The treaty also mandates updates to Victoria's education curriculum to include more comprehensive teaching about Aboriginal history and culture, addressing what many describe as Australia's 'hidden history.'
Political Challenges Ahead
Despite the celebratory atmosphere in parliament, the treaty faces significant political opposition. The Victorian Liberal Party has promised to repeal the legislation within 100 days if elected in the 2026 state elections. 'This creates another level of government,' argued opposition leader John Pesutto, reflecting concerns about the treaty's structure and costs.
The treaty is estimated to cost tens of millions of dollars annually to implement, though supporters argue this represents a small investment compared to the ongoing costs of Indigenous disadvantage.
The legislation takes effect in December 2025, marking the beginning of what Indigenous leaders hope will be a new chapter in Australia's relationship with its First Peoples. As Ngarra Murray, co-chair of the First Peoples' Assembly, stated: 'This is a historic moment that marks the beginning of a new era where First Peoples' 60,000 years of knowledge and culture is respected.'
For more information on the treaty process, visit the Victorian Treaty website.