First Nations Legal and Research Services (FNLRS) celebrates the passing of the Victorian Statewide Treaty Bill 2025 through both houses of parliament.
This is a historic moment for the rights of Victoria’s First Nations people and marks another major milestone in the journey to realising the principles of self-determination.
The Bill was developed in partnership with the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria and enshrines a new democratically elected representative body, Gellung Warl, to ensure First Nations voices are heard on matters that affect them.
Treaty is a commitment to truth, recognition, and respect for First Nations people. It builds on decades of work by communities and leaders calling for the right of First Nations people to shape their own lives.
The passing of a Statewide Treaty opens the door for First Nations groups across Victoria to negotiate their own Traditional Owner Treaties with the Victorian Government. FNLRS will continue to support First Nations groups in seeking formal recognition through native title and settlement agreements and in the journey to Traditional Owner Treaties.
We congratulate all First Nations people for this milestone and are looking forward to the moment the State Government and First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria officially sign the Bill.
ENDS
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