Victoria’s Treaty Becomes Law

Published on 26 November 2025

Council is proud to acknowledge a historic moment for Victoria, with the Statewide Treaty becoming law following Royal Assent from Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC.

This landmark legislation confirms the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria as a permanent voice for Aboriginal people in our state’s democratic system. The Assembly will form part of Gellung Warl, a new body that will also include truth-telling and accountability functions, helping to build stronger and more respectful relationships between government and First Peoples.

A ceremony at Government House celebrated both the passing of the legislation and the formal Treaty Agreement between the Victorian Government and the First Peoples’ Assembly.

The Treaty will officially begin on Friday, 12 December 2025.

Here in Glenelg Shire, Council recognises the deep significance of this step for Traditional Owners, including the Gunditjmara people who have cared for this Country for tens of thousands of years.

Mayor Cr Karen Stephens said Treaty was an opportunity to strengthen community connections, acknowledge truth and create better outcomes for future generations.

“Council acknowledges the significance of this step for Traditional Owners, including the Gunditjmara people whose deep cultural knowledge and leadership continues to guide the region,” she said.

Councillors are currently undertaking their own journey of cultural awareness and engagement, having recently undertaken some cultural awareness training as their first step, where they were taken through a personal experience of understanding colonisation and its impacts to this day on Aboriginal people.

Next Councillors will attend an On Country tour, where they will deepen their understanding of Gunditjmara, people, culture and Country.

All of these steps align to Council’s commitment under the newly endorsed Council and Wellbeing Plan 2025 – 2029. As part of the Plan they are developing a public statement that clearly states the goals, principles, and commitments related to Aboriginal affairs, guided by community values and collaborative partnerships.

CEO of the Glenelg Shire Council Helen Havercroft reflected that the Statewide Treaty would provide a stronger foundation for collaboration between all levels of government and Aboriginal communities.

“This milestone reinforces the importance of local partnerships and respectful engagement with Traditional Owners. We will continue working to embed these values into the way we deliver services and plan for the future,” she said.