Australia has reached an unprecedented milestone with Victoria officially passing the nation’s first treaty with Indigenous peoples — a moment that echoes centuries of calls for recognition, dignity, and justice.
In an emotional late-night session, Victoria’s parliament erupted in cheers and applause as the treaty bill passed. Many in attendance were visibly moved, reflecting the deep emotional and historical significance of the moment.
The treaty lays the groundwork for a democratically elected Indigenous Assembly, a formal truth-telling process to confront and acknowledge historical injustices, and an advisory system dedicated to eliminating long-standing inequalities — particularly in health outcomes.
“This is a historic moment for our people,” said Ngarra Murray of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria. “We will tell our children about today, and they will tell their children… how decades of Aboriginal resilience and activism led to Australia’s first treaty.”
Indigenous Australians — less than 4% of the population — continue to face severe disparities, including an eight-year life expectancy gap and disproportionately high incarceration and custodial death rates. For many advocates, the treaty represents not just progress, but a path toward dignity, self-determination, and healing.
Jill Gallagher, a key Indigenous leader who championed the effort, shared her emotion: “History was made. I feel like my people have some hope now.”
While many celebrated, political debate followed. Premier Jacinta Allan described the treaty as a defining shift, giving Aboriginal communities a greater role in shaping the policies that impact their lives. Yet critics, including Senator Bridget McKenzie, condemned the bill, calling it preferential treatment — a sentiment at odds with centuries of historical injustice.
Victoria’s journey to this point followed powerful findings earlier this year confirming that colonial forces committed genocide against Indigenous peoples in the region. The treaty seeks to confront that painful legacy and build a future grounded in respect.
