The future of Australia’s first state Treaty has been thrown into doubt, with the Victorian Opposition pledging to repeal the landmark legislation within 100 days if it wins government in 2026.
The commitment came as Parliament today debated the historic Treaty Bill, which would make the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria a permanent elected body representing Traditional Owners and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across the state.
The bill, finalised after almost a year of negotiations between the Assembly and the state government, is expected to pass both houses with Labor and crossbench support.
The suggested legislation would grant the Assembly additional authority to provide input on government policies and ensure ministerial accountability via public hearings—reforms considered a crucial advancement toward self-determination and Closing the Gap.
But the Opposition says it will move swiftly to dismantle the Treaty framework if elected.
Nationals MP and Opposition Aboriginal Affairs spokesperson Melina Bath said the Coalition would replace the legislation with a new department, First Nations Victoria, and an unelected advisory body.
“Not only do we oppose Treaty that’s passing the lower house today – we will repeal that within the first 100 days,” Ms Bath said.
“We don’t believe Treaty is the best way to close the gap and deliver better outcomes for Indigenous communities.”
The Coalition’s plan would centralise Aboriginal affairs under a single minister and publish quarterly updates on Closing the Gap targets.
Liberal Leader Brad Battin said Labor had “failed to deliver real change” and promised to take a “practical” approach to Indigenous policy.
“Our commitment is to work alongside Aboriginal organisations, Elders and communities to ensure that every initiative is grounded in cultural safety, trust and local knowledge,” he said.
The announcement drew sharp criticism from the government and the Assembly, who said the move would undo decades of progress.
First Peoples’ Assembly Co-Chair Ngarra Murray, a Wamba Wamba, Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung and Dhudhuroa woman, told Parliament that Treaty was about putting an end to top-down policy-making.
“The time for paternalistic governments making decisions on behalf of our people ends with this Treaty,” she said.
“Our people will no longer tolerate being the political football that politicians kick around looking to further their own selfish interests.”
Her fellow Co-Chair Rueben Berg, a Gunditjmara man, said the goal of Treaty was to strengthen the state, not divide it.
“We do this not to divide Victoria, but to complete it – not to take anything from anyone, but to make this place more whole for everyone,” he said.
Premier Jacinta Allan condemned the Opposition’s pledge, saying it would “tear down” a decade of work between governments and First Peoples.
“Their first priority if they have the privilege of forming government is not to build the future – it’s to tear it down,” she said.
Despite the political divide, the bill marks a significant moment for Victoria – and comes exactly two years after the national Voice referendum.
As the debate continues, Assembly members have urged MPs to back the legislation and “enable meaningful change”.
