General News
12 September, 2025
Victorian treaty now before parliament
The statewide treaty aims to give Indigenous Australians a say on how their services are run without taking “anything away from anyone”.
A statewide treaty, the first in the country, was introduced to parliament this week promising to build a new relationship based on respect, trust and integrity. The milestone is the latest step in a decade-long treaty process which, the state government explained, acknowledges the nation’s past while allowing Victorians to look to the future together.
The bill proposes making the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria permanent and expand its responsibilities to deliver better outcomes for First Peoples in Victoria.
In a statement, Victoria’s premier Jacinta Allan said the treaty makes sense because it gives Indigenous Australians a say in how their services are run.
“It doesn’t take anything away from anyone – it’s about improving people’s lives and the services they use,” she said.
“Our first Treaty sets clear rules to achieve real, practical change over time.”