Australia: First ever treaty signed with Aboriginal people DW 11/13/2025

"The state of Victoria on Thursday signed into law Australia's first treaty with Aboriginal people and formalized as law. Hailed by advocates as a significant step towards reconciliation, the accord gives Indigenous people more oversight on decisions that concern them. The treaty, which will take effect on December 12, provides a formal apology to Australia's First Nations people and establishes a permanent representative group to offer advice to the Victorian government."

""Today marks a new chapter in the story of our state," Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said at a signing ceremony in Melbourne, the Victorian state capital. "When people have a real say over the things that impact their lives, their healthcare, housing, education, and the practice of their culture, their outcomes are improved and our state is made fairer," she added."

"A national referendum in 2023 to enshrine an Indigenous advisory body in the constitution was rejected by 60% of voters, which supporters of the proposed body saw as a setback to reconciliation efforts. Jill Gallagher, a member of the Gunditjmara people an Aboriginal nation from southwestern Victoria and former Commissioner of the Victorian Treaty Advancement Commission, played a pivotal role in treaty negotiations."

The state of Victoria signed into law Australia's first treaty with Aboriginal people, granting Indigenous communities greater oversight of decisions affecting them. The treaty takes effect on December 12, provides a formal apology to First Nations and establishes a permanent representative group to advise the Victorian government. Premier Jacinta Allan said giving people a real say over healthcare, housing, education and cultural practice improves outcomes and fairness. A 2023 national referendum to enshrine an Indigenous advisory body was rejected by 60% of voters. Jill Gallagher, a Gunditjmara elder and former treaty commissioner, played a pivotal role in negotiations. Indigenous peoples settled Australia about 60,000 years ago; British colonization began in 1788 and led to major population decline.

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