In a historic moment for Australia, the Statewide Treaty Bill was introduced to the Victorian Parliament on 9 September 2025. If it passes both Houses of Parliament, it will give effect to the first treaty in Australia between First Peoples and a state or territory government.
On 14 October 2025, the second anniversary of the Voice Referendum, a moving Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony was provided by Traditional Owners ahead of the address to the Lower House by First Peoples’ Assembly Co-Chairs Ngarra Murray and Rueben Berg.
The introduction of the Bill marks a defining moment in Victoria’s history, culminating generations of resistance, advocacy, and leadership by First Peoples, and nearly a decade of dedicated work since the Aboriginal Treaty Working Group was formed in 2016.
After decades of resilience and activism, Australia’s first Treaty between the Victorian Government and First Peoples is now on the cusp of becoming law.
As a proud and unwavering ally, Eastern Community Legal Centre (ECLC) wholeheartedly supports this historic Statewide Treaty Bill. The Centre believes that this legislation represents far more than policy, it is a profound step toward resetting the relationship between the Victorian state and First Peoples, grounded in fairness, respect, and truth.
At the heart of the Treaty is a formal apology from the Victorian Government to the First Peoples of Victoria, alongside binding commitments to embed truth-telling and Aboriginal history into every public school curriculum. Critically, it empowers Aboriginal communities to design, develop, and deliver the solutions that will shape their futures because when First Peoples lead, their communities thrive.
The Treaty also establishes permanent structures for representation and accountability, including the First Peoples’ Assembly as a permanent democratic body and the new Nginma Ngainga Wara Outcomes and Justice Commission. These mechanisms ensure that government promises translate into real, measurable outcomes in health, education, housing, and justice.
ECLC stands firmly behind the principle that self-determination is not just a right, it is essential.
ECLC CEO Michael Smith said, “This monumental Treaty is more than just legislation, it’s a long-overdue act of justice. At ECLC, we stand firmly with First Peoples in Victoria as they lead the way toward self-determination, truth-telling and real change.”
“Supporting this bill isn’t just the right thing to do, it is essential to building a fairer, more inclusive future for generations to come,” he added.
Victoria’s leadership in becoming the first Australian state to legislate a Treaty with First Peoples sets a powerful example for the rest of the nation.
It strengthens our democracy, deepens our collective understanding of history, and paves the way for a more inclusive, equitable, and reconciled future, for all Victorians, and for generations to come.
Read ECLC’s full Treaty pledge: eclc.org.au/treatypledge
Watch our Treaty Pledge video: vimeo.com/1125054107
Learn more about Treaty here: firstpeoplesvic.org/treaty
