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

The pact establishes permanent Indigenous representation with state consultation requirements.

Overview

  • Premier Jacinta Allan and First Peoples' Assembly co-chairs Ngarra Murray and Rueben Berg signed the statewide agreement at Government House, followed by Royal Assent from Governor Margaret Gardner.
  • The treaty takes legal effect on December 12 and will be marked by a public cultural assent ceremony and concert at Melbourne’s Federation Square.
  • Legislation creates the new representative body Gellung Warl with expanded decision-making roles, requires the state to consult on laws and policies affecting Aboriginal Victorians, and provides advisory functions to parliament and government.
  • The agreement issues a formal apology, acknowledges harms detailed by the Yoorrook Justice Commission, and establishes truth‑telling and accountability mechanisms backed by state commitments and funding.
  • Victoria’s Liberal–Nationals opposition opposes the measure and has pledged to repeal it if elected in November 2026, even as leaders and international figures have described the step as significant.