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Victoria Signs Australia’s First Modern Treaty With Aboriginal Peoples Into Law

The pact establishes Gellung Warl with statutory negotiation and advisory powers grounded in the Yoorrook truth‑telling findings.

Overview

  • Premier Jacinta Allan and First Peoples' Assembly co-chairs Ngarra Murray and Rueben Berg signed the agreement at Government House before it received Royal Assent from Governor Margaret Gardner.
  • The law formally acknowledges harms documented by the Yoorrook Justice Commission, including massacres, forced child removals, cultural destruction and economic exclusion.
  • Gellung Warl will operate independently, represent First Peoples in statewide negotiations, advise parliament and government on matters affecting Aboriginal Victorians, and exercise decision-making powers.
  • The framework enables further local and Traditional Owner treaties and commits state funding for truth-telling, accountability measures and an ongoing Aboriginal authority.
  • A public commencement ceremony is scheduled for December 12 at Federation Square, as the Liberal–National opposition maintains a pledge to repeal the law if it wins the 2026 state election.