October 31, 2025 | Katie Wand
The Victorian Government has passed the Statewide Treaty Bill, in a momentous step towards reconciliation and justice for First Nations Peoples in Victoria. The Statewide Treaty commits Victoria to a renewed relationship with First Nations Peoples that is informed by respect for First Nations Peoples’ relationship to Country, Culture and Community and their authority to self-determine decisions that impact their lives. It is a vehicle for moving forwards in equal partnership with mutual respect, reciprocity, transparency and a commitment to justice, equality and healing for First Nations Peoples.
Community legal centres proudly support Treaty in Victoria as a landmark step towards a more just, inclusive and united future, and as a key component of self-determination and justice for First Nations Peoples. As a sector, we stand in solidarity with all First Nations Peoples, and recognise the ongoing injustices perpetrated against them. The passage of the Statewide Treaty Bill paves the way for addressing ongoing injustices, and for formally recognising the inherent rights of First Nations Peoples.
Treaty is about unity, moving forward and building a better future together. This is our chance to share in and celebrate the oldest living cultures in the world.
We celebrate the leadership of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria and all First Nations Peoples, whose decades long advocacy has amplified the voices of Community and created a powerful foundation for future generations. Treaty marks a necessary reset of the relationship between First Nations Peoples and the State, because doing things differently is the only way to achieve real change.
Victoria is leading the nation as the first state or territory to legislate a Treaty agreement. We commend the Victorian Government for taking this historic action, and for demonstrating its commitment to advancing First Nations justice in this way.
As an ally of the First Peoples’ Assembly and all First Nations Peoples, we will continue to listen to, amplify and be led by First Nations voices, as elements of Treaty are rolled out and implemented.
We know that people thrive when they can set their own course in life - when they can make choices about what works best for them and their families based on their own needs, experiences, talents and aspirations. The establishment of this principle in legislation through Treaty sets an inspiring precedent for the rest of the country.
Louisa Gibbs, CEO at the Federation said:
“The Statewide Treaty Bill is a historic step towards First Nations justice, reconciliation, and self-determination, for First Nations Peoples and all Victorians.
“The Victorian community legal sector is committed to listening deeply to the knowledge, cultures and lived experience of First Nations Peoples. We will continue to stand alongside the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service, Djirra, the First Peoples’ Assembly and Aboriginal communities, working together in solidarity, reciprocity and respect to support self-determination and challenge entrenched power imbalances.
“I thank the First Peoples Assembly of Victoria, and all First Nations People and allies for standing up for justice.”
Other quotes:
“After nearly a decade walking the path to Treaty with our communities, and generations of resistance and activism from First Peoples, Australia’s first Treaty is here. This is a chance for all Victorians to acknowledge our past, heal and move forward together.” - First Peoples’ Assembly
“This Statewide Treaty is shaped by an unbroken resolve passed through countless generations to bring us to this moment. Its foundation is resistance, its spine is truth, and its purpose is clear: to claim, at last, the dignity and justice of being treated as First Peoples always should have been – as equals in their own Country and the first custodians of this land that we are all fortunate enough to live in.” – Statewide Treaty Bill
