Premier Jacinta Allan has delivered a landmark parliamentary apology to Aboriginal Victorians, acknowledging the “profound and undeniable harm” caused by colonisation.
Speaking in a special sitting of the Victorian Parliament, Allan apologised for the laws, policies, and decisions that led to the theft of land, removal of children from their families, and the systematic erasure of Indigenous culture.
“Today is a day of reckoning,” Allan said. “We say sorry for the violence committed under the banner of the state and the colony that came before it, and for the neglect that allowed it to continue. We say sorry for the wealth built on lands and waters taken without consent, for the silencing of language, and for policies that stripped First Peoples of their fundamental rights.”
The apology, part of Victoria’s treaty process, symbolises a “new era” that embraces truth, honours justice, and creates space for a shared future. The emotional moment saw Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny and Aboriginal Labor MP Sheena Watt visibly moved as the Premier spoke. First Peoples’ Assembly co-chairs Ngarra Murray and Rueben Berg were also present, noting that while the apology cannot undo past injustices, it can help begin the process of healing communities and collective spirit.
Despite its historic significance, the Opposition, led by Jess Wilson, refused to support the motion, citing political differences and reaffirming support for former Premier Jeff Kennett’s 1997 apology to the Stolen Generations. Greens leader Ellen Sandell praised the apology but highlighted concerns about recent youth justice laws affecting First Nations children.
The event marks a continuation of Premier Allan’s commitment to reconciliation. Last year, she issued a private apology specifically to members of the Stolen Generations, a historic first for the Victorian Government. The parliamentary apology builds on that foundation, aiming to recognise the enduring impact of colonisation while signalling a commitment to equity, justice, and shared responsibility for Victoria’s future.
