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Victoria Set to Introduce Landmark Treaty Bill for Indigenous Reconciliation

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Business Honor - Victoria’s Indigenous Treaty Bill

Business Honor
25 August, 2025

Victoria to introduce first state-based Treaty bill, formalising Indigenous self-determination and advancing reconciliation efforts.

Victoria is on the verge of taking a large step towards legislating its relationship with First Peoples, with a treaty bill set to be tabled in parliament this week. If enacted, it will be the first lawfully recognized treaty between an Australian state and traditional owners since colonisation. The bill comes after the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria, the democratically elected statewide representative of traditional owners, recently ratified the agreement as part of statewide treaty negotiations. The Victorian Cabinet deliberated on Monday, with the legislation due to be listed in the near future.

Under the framework proposed, a new Assembly will be created as a statutory corporation, established to function as an enduring advisory and consultative entity on issues of concern to First Peoples. Although the assembly will not possess legislative veto rights, the assembly will be consulted regarding any laws put forward in parliament that are pertinent to aboriginal peoples. The government has said the project is a step towards better outcomes for aboriginal Victorians by way of self-determination, compliance and enduring structural change. The deal also involves the promise to establish a First Peoples Institute, investigate water entitlement trading between traditional owner groups, and review the restoration of traditional place nomenclature.

The treaty process has been constructed over decades in collaboration with the First Peoples' Assembly and is intended to establish better partnerships between aboriginal people and government. The Victorian government of the present and the past have committed support for advancing towards a treaty, emphasizing listening to and acting on the voices of aboriginal people in policy-making. Attempts at public outreach have also been made, like the together for treaty campaign, to build awareness and support for the process. If enacted, the bill would be a major milestone for Victoria's reconciliation and Indigenous affairs strategy, with the possibility of being a model to other states and territories.