A day of peace making, of law making, of healing and reconciling: Statewide Treaty Bill Introduced to Victorian Parliament

Australia’s First Treaty Bill has been introduced to Victorian Parliament

9 September 2025 is a historic day in the history of the State of Victoria, and indeed the nation of Australia with the introduction of the Statewide Treaty Bill of 2025, representing the first treaty of its kind in this country.

In many ways, the work of treaty has just begun with the introduction of the Treaty Bill, but it is a moment to reflect on the long journey towards Treaty.

Australia sorely lags behind in treaty-making with its First Nations and Indigenous peoples when compared to other colonised nations. For example, the Treaty of Waitangi between the Māori peoples and settlers of Aotearoa is more than 184 years old. Despite the resistance of previous governments across the history of Australia, today’s introduction of the Treaty Bill represents one significant step forward in righting the wrongs of the past, and protecting and providing for the future.

Today, the Treaty Bill aims to achieve a few important objectives.

First, to rectify the injustices of the past and restore the rights of First Peoples.

Secondly, to continue the truth-telling work of the Yoorrook Justice Commission.

Third, to renew and and improve the relationship between the State of Victoria and the First Peoples.

Fourth, to ensure rights and fundamental freedoms are advanced through new First Peoples led institutions, Gellung Warl, Nginma Ngainga Wara, Nyern Yoorrook Telkuna and the continuing First Peoples’ Assembly.

Lastly, to ensure “with pride that future generations of Victorian children will grow up in a State shaped by Treaty, truth and justice.”

At the Indigenous Law and Justice Hub we want to congratulate, pay our respects to, and thank the thousands upon thousands of people across Victoria, and in particular our Victorian First Peoples, who have worked for decades to realise Treaty for Victoria. Treaty has been a multigenerational project that has required the careful, but powerful work of our esteemed elders, expert leaders, and chosen representatives who should all be proud of themselves and the work they have done.

9th of September represents a day of peace making, of law making, of healing and reconciling. The Treaty Bill should be a moment of great pride for all of the elected representatives of the First Peoples’ Assembly, past Treaty Commissioners and other members of communities from across the state who have worked so hard to bring about a better vision for the future for all Victorians. This indeed includes some alumni of Melbourne Law School, who have had the bravery, knowledge, wisdom and skill to both make and change history on this day.

Tyson Holloway Clark (Njamal) – Hub Lecturer

Professor Lee Godden – Acting Hub Director