Victoria has made history by becoming the first Australian state to pass legislation enabling a Treaty with Indigenous Australians — a move hailed as a major step toward justice and reconciliation, yet one already stirring fierce political debate.
The landmark Statewide Treaty Bill passed the upper house of parliament late Thursday evening, triggering emotional celebrations among Labor MPs, Indigenous leaders, and supporters in the public gallery. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags were unfurled as tears flowed and applause echoed through the chamber.
The legislation lays the foundation for the nation’s first formal Treaty between an Australian government and Indigenous people. It will establish Gellung Warl, a new Indigenous council with oversight across government departments, embed truth-telling initiatives and a revised school curriculum, and ensure government legislation is assessed for Treaty compatibility. A new naming authority for places and landmarks will also be created.
Premier Jacinta Allan said the Treaty would empower Aboriginal communities to shape the policies and services that directly affect their lives.
“This is how we build a fairer, stronger Victoria for everyone,” she declared.
Indigenous Labor MP Sheena Watt, visibly emotional, described the vote as “the culmination of 10 years of leadership and hard work” and a “historic moment in Victoria’s story.”
“For over 200 years, laws were made about my people without us. Today, we change that,” she said. “We know the best way to close the gap is to give First Peoples the tools to take ownership of their own lives.”
Dr Jill Gallagher, CEO of the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, called the passage “a new chapter” for the state.
“Treaty is not just about recognition – it’s about justice, healing, and truth-telling,” she said. “I’ve long dreamt of living in a society where all Victorians can share in the pride of the world’s oldest living culture.”
Rueben Berg, co-chair of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, said the Treaty recognized that Aboriginal people are “the experts on their own lives.”
“Through Treaty, we’ll be able to create practical, community-led solutions in areas like health, education, housing and justice.”
However, the legislation passed without bipartisan support. The Coalition, joined by One Nation, Shooters, Fishers and Farmers, and Libertarian MPs, voted against the Bill. Opposition Leader Brad Battin warned that a Coalition government would repeal the Treaty within its first 100 days, calling it costly and divisive.
“We’re committed to improving outcomes for Aboriginal Victorians — but Treaty isn’t the way,” he said.
Upper House Liberal Leader David Davis condemned the celebrations in parliament as “arrogant” and “outrageous,” accusing Labor of creating an “Indigenous superstructure” that would “block government and projects across the state.”
Despite the political tension, supporters insist the Treaty will deliver long-overdue justice and help close the gap in education, health, and employment outcomes — areas where national strategies have repeatedly fallen short.
As Victoria moves forward alone on the path to Treaty, the rest of Australia will be watching closely to see whether this historic step unites or divides the state.
