Australia has taken a significant step towards reconciliation with the passage of its first treaty legislation, a momentous achievement following extensive parliamentary discussions. The bill, which aims to empower Indigenous communities, was approved late on Thursday in the upper house of the Victorian parliament, triggering celebrations among supporters in the public gallery.
Premier Jacinta Allan announced that the treaty will soon be signed by the state government and the First Peoples’ Assembly, marking a new chapter for Aboriginal communities in Victoria. In her statement, she highlighted the importance of the treaty, stating, “Treaty gives Aboriginal communities the power to shape the policies and services that affect their lives.”
Under the new legislation, the Indigenous representative body will be permanently established and granted enhanced powers. Known as Gellung Warl, which translates to “tip of the spear” in the Gunaikurnai language, this body will serve as the official voice for Aboriginal Victorians in state parliament. The assembly will continue to operate under its current name, the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, and will function from a dedicated space within the Victorian parliament.
The passage of this legislation has been celebrated by Indigenous leaders, including Ngarra Murray, co-chair of the assembly and member of the Wamba Wamba, Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung, and Dhudhuroa communities. She expressed her sentiments by saying, “This is a historic moment for our people. We will tell our children about today, and they will tell their children, passing down to future generations the story of how decades of Aboriginal resilience and activism led to Australia’s first treaty.”
Murray emphasized that the treaty signifies the beginning of a new era, where the knowledge and culture of First Peoples, spanning over 60,000 years, will be respected and celebrated. She called it an opportunity for all Victorians to recognize their shared history, heal, and move forward collectively.
The in-principle agreement follows nearly a year of negotiations between the Victorian government and the First Peoples’ Assembly, concluding after a state inquiry revealed the extensive mistreatment of Aboriginal people since colonization. Greens leader Ellen Sandell described the bill’s passage as a defining moment for First Nations people, stating, “Aboriginal people are the experts in their own communities, and treaty is about recognizing and embracing that truth. When people are empowered to make choices about what works best for their communities, everyone thrives.”
Despite the historic nature of this legislation, Victoria’s opposition party has indicated intentions to repeal the treaty within 100 days if they gain power in the upcoming elections scheduled for November 2026. This potential challenge underscores the contentious nature of treaty discussions in Australia and the varying perspectives on Indigenous rights and representation.
As the treaty progresses, its implications will resonate across the state, aiming to foster greater understanding and cooperation between the government and Aboriginal communities. The passing of this legislation stands as a pivotal moment in Australia’s journey toward reconciliation and recognition of Indigenous rights.
