Victoria has taken another step forward on the path to Treaty, with the signing of the Statewide Treaty and Royal Assent given to the legislation recently passed by Parliament.
Royal Assent from Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC means the Statewide Treaty Bill is now law in Victoria, cementing the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria as a permanent representative and decision-making body for First Peoples within the existing democratic system.
The Assembly will form part of a new entity, Gellung Warl, which will also include an accountability arm and a truth-telling body.
Today’s ceremony at Government House marks the formal passage of the Treaty legislation and the Treaty Agreement between the Victorian Government and First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria – an agreement built on truth, respect and shared purpose.
The Treaty will officially commence on Friday, 12 December 2025 with a ceremonial exchange at Federation Square during the Victoria’s Treaty: It’s Here event – a celebration of 60,000 years of culture, song, dance and community that is open to all Victorians.
Families are better off when they have responsibility over their own lives and Treaty gives Aboriginal people a say in how their services are run.
In Victoria, we have been on a long and steady path to Truth and Treaty for nearly a decade. We have passed legislation three times, developed policies, and made commitments across the government.