Victoria Passes First Statewide Treaty Bill

Victoria’s parliament has passed Australia’s first statewide Treaty Bill, establishing a democratically elected First Peoples body called Gellung Warl; the legislation will now go to the Governor for royal assent and is due to be formally signed in coming weeks. Gellung Warl will be consulted on laws and policies affecting Indigenous communities and will have oversight powers over government departments and agencies, supported by a special appropriation expected to deliver tens of millions of dollars a year once fully operational. The treaty also creates two additional accountability bodies, requires a formal state apology, embeds Indigenous truth‑telling into school curricula using findings of the Yoorrook Justice Commission, and establishes measures such as a naming authority for geographical features. Supporters call the bill a historic step toward justice, healing and self‑determination with potential improvements in health, education and justice outcomes, while critics warn it could undermine parliamentary sovereignty, create a parallel governance system and deepen division. Polling shows mixed public support, the government plans a ceremonial exchange when the bill is assented, and the Victorian Liberals have vowed to repeal the treaty if elected.