MacKillop Family Services welcomes the historic legislation passed on October 27, 2025 by the Victorian Government, enabling a Treaty with First Nations people.
The Statewide Treaty Bill enshrines a democratically-elected body for First Peoples and Victoria is the first state in Australia to legislate a Treaty.
This elected body, Gellung Warl, will be consulted on laws and policies affecting First Nations communities. Gellung Warl will also include a truth-telling body, Nyerna Yoorrook Telkuna, and an accountability body, known as Nginma Ngainga Wara. The latter will ensure the government upholds its commitments under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. The Gellung Warl will be futureproofed with a special Appropriation Act to be set up by parliament.
“I’m delighted that Treaty has passed, enshrining truth-telling as an ongoing process. It’s a significant step towards self-determination for all Victorian First Nations People,” said Esmai Manahan, MacKillop Director, Nanyubak Unit – First Nations People and Partnerships.
The Treaty requires a formal apology from the state government to the First Peoples of Victoria.
Victoria's primary and secondary students will also learn more about Victoria's First Peoples, with a new curriculum using the findings of the Yoorrook Commission to be developed for prep to year 10 students.
The Statewide Treaty will benefit all Victorian First Peoples, including Victorian Traditional Owners and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living in Victoria. In the spirit of reconciliation, we believe the Statewide Treaty will also benefit all Victorians and continue the important work of truth-telling.
“At MacKillop, we know that culture is healing and education can change the course of history. The Treaty, the apology and the changes to educating the next generation are going to have profound effects on all Victorians,” said MacKillop CEO Dr Robyn Miller.
Find out more: https://www.treatyvictoria.vic.gov.au/
