Victoria’s Treaty: A New Era of Recognition, Partnership, and Change

A historic moment for truth and self-determination

On 30 October 2025, Victoria made history. The state parliament passed landmark legislation to establish a Treaty with First Nations peoples - the first of its kind anywhere in Australia.

This isn’t just a symbolic gesture. It’s a structural, legal, and moral commitment to a new relationship - one grounded in truth, respect, and self-determination.

For generations, Aboriginal communities have called for a seat at the table; for a say in the laws and policies that shape their lives, land, and futures. Now, for the first time, the state has said: We’re ready to listen. We’re ready to negotiate. We’re ready to walk together.

What the Treaty legislation does

The new Treaty framework enshrines key structures to support fair and enduring negotiations between First Peoples and the Victorian Government.

Here’s what it establishes:

  1. A permanent First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria
    This elected body represents Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Victoria. It will lead the negotiation of both statewide and local treaties, ensuring decisions are made by communities — not about them.
    (Source: First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, 2025)

  2. A new statutory authority: Gellung Warl (“tip of the spear”)
    Gellung Warl will provide the governance and resources needed to negotiate agreements fairly and transparently, supporting both sides through the treaty process.
    (Source: Premier of Victoria, 2025)

  3. Permanent truth-telling and accountability bodies
    Building on the work of the Yoorrook Justice Commission, the legislation embeds mechanisms for ongoing truth-telling — uncovering the impacts of colonisation and ensuring governments are held accountable for progress.
    (Source: Yoorrook Justice Commission, 2025)

Together, these measures mean Victoria’s Treaty isn’t a one-off event — it’s a living framework for justice and partnership.

How we got here

The journey to Treaty has been long and determined.

In 2018, the Advancing the Treaty Process with Aboriginal Victorians Act became the first legislation in Australia to formally commit to a Treaty process. It set up the foundations for today’s milestone.

Since then, the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria - established in 2019 - has worked with communities across the state to design the negotiation framework, define principles of self-determination, and consult on what true partnership looks like.

When the 2023 national Voice to Parliament referendum failed, many feared momentum would stall. Instead, Victoria’s leaders — and more importantly, Aboriginal communities — strengthened their resolve.

As Premier Jacinta Allan said:

“Treaty is critical. We cannot wait for Canberra to act. Victoria will keep moving forward with truth and self-determination.”
(ABC News, 31 October 2025)

And move forward they did.

Why this matters

1. Recognition and truth

This legislation acknowledges what has always been true - that Aboriginal peoples are the original custodians of this land, and that sovereignty was never ceded.

It also ensures that truth-telling remains central to Victoria’s story. The Yoorrook Justice Commission has shown that facing hard truths - about stolen land, the Stolen Generations, and systemic discrimination - is the only way to heal.

2. Real power and participation

Treaty means First Peoples will have an ongoing, legislated voice in how laws, programs, and policies are made. It shifts decision-making from being about communities to being by communities.

3. A national precedent

Victoria’s model sets a national benchmark. Queensland and the Northern Territory are progressing their own Treaty discussions, but Victoria is the first to legislate a comprehensive framework that can lead to real agreements and shared governance.

This is the start of something much bigger.

Challenges ahead

Progress always meets resistance. Some political parties have already vowed to scrap the Treaty if elected, claiming it’s unnecessary or divisive.

But as the First Peoples’ Assembly has stated, Treaty is not about division — it’s about justice. It’s about building a future where every community can thrive.

The biggest challenges will be:

  • Implementation and resourcing: ensuring promises translate into funded, measurable outcomes.

  • Protecting progress from politics: securing bipartisan support so the process survives election cycles.

  • Public understanding: helping non-Indigenous Victorians learn what Treaty means, and why it benefits us all.

Despite these challenges, this is a rare moment of hope and direction.

What this means for all Victorians

Treaty invites all of us to re-imagine what justice and belonging look like. It’s a chance to build a future based on mutual respect, one that recognises the pain of the past but focuses on healing, not denial.

It asks every Victorian:

  • How can I listen more deeply to First Peoples?

  • How can I support Treaty and self-determination in my daily life?

  • How can I help make truth-telling part of our shared story?

How StandUp Tees is responding

At StandUp Tees, our mission has always been simple: to wear what we stand for - to make justice visible and conversation impossible to ignore.

This moment in Victoria’s history resonates deeply with what we believe in: solidarity, truth, and empowerment.

We’re committing to:

  • Amplify First Peoples’ voices — by sharing resources, stories, and updates from Aboriginal-led organisations.

  • Support self-determination — by directing donations toward First Nations–led community initiatives.

  • Stand respectfully — acknowledging that sovereignty was never ceded, and committing to collaboration and consent when working with First Peoples’ stories or designs.

  • Educate through story — using our “Wear Your Stand” blog and StandUp Stories podcast to deepen understanding and spark reflection.

Because solidarity isn’t performative — it’s participatory.

What you can do

Here are a few simple ways to stand up for Treaty and self-determination:

  1. Learn more. Visit the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria and Yoorrook Justice Commission to understand the process and history.

  2. Listen to community voices. Follow Aboriginal media and leaders such as NITV, the Koori Mail, and IndigenousX.

  3. Support First Nations organisations. Donate, volunteer, and elevate their work.

  4. Talk about it. Share this story, start conversations, and help make Treaty part of everyday dialogue.

Final thoughts

Treaty isn’t about the past; it’s about the future. It’s about rewriting how we live together on this land, with truth and dignity at the centre.

For us at StandUp Tees, this is what “wearing your stand” truly means: not just speaking out, but standing alongside.

Victoria’s Treaty marks a turning point — a new era of recognition, partnership, and change. Let’s keep that momentum alive.

Together, we can walk forward — in truth, in respect, and in solidarity.

References

  1. ABC News (31 October 2025). “Victoria passes historic First Nations treaty legislation.” Link

  2. Premier of Victoria (30 October 2025). “Negotiations finalised for Victoria’s Treaty.” Link

  3. First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria (2025). “About Treaty in Victoria.” Link

  4. Yoorrook Justice Commission (2025). “Truth-telling in Victoria: Why Treaty matters.” Link

  5. The Guardian Australia (14 October 2025). “Victorian Coalition vows to scrap First Nations Treaty if elected.” Link

  6. First Peoples Relations Victoria (2025). “Treaty in Victoria – what it means.” Link

 

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