- Published:
- Friday 12 December 2025 at 8:00 am
The formal beginning of Victoria’s Treaty today is a profound and proud moment in Australia’s history.
We welcome the commencement of Treaty, which is a major step forwards in acknowledging the truths of our shared history and addressing the injustices experienced by First Peoples since colonisation.
We acknowledge the years of relentless advocacy and hard work of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, Elders and other First Peoples leaders in securing Treaty.
'At Victoria Legal Aid, we are deeply committed to supporting Victoria’s Treaty. Today, we reaffirm this commitment to play our role in creating better justice outcomes for First Peoples,’ said our CEO Toby Hemming.
‘Through the Yoorrook Justice Commission, we heard extensive evidence including from First Peoples about past and ongoing systemic racism and injustice across systems like health, education, housing, child protection and justice.
‘We all have a role to play in addressing this injustice. I hope today will mark a new beginning in the relationship between First Peoples and all Victorians.’
First Nations Services Executive Director, and proud Gunditjmara man, Ashley Morris, said he was optimistic about the change Treaty would bring.
‘Every day we live with the impacts of colonisation as Aboriginal people. Every day we see this in our practice experience. Victoria’s First People are disproportionately represented in all areas of the justice system because of policies, legislation and discriminatory practices that deny our rights as Aboriginal people.
‘Despite this, we see the incredible strength, resistance and knowledge of First People, grounded in culture and connection to Country. We have survived.
‘On Tuesday the premier acknowledged the profound and undeniable harm caused by the state to First Peoples and apologised for it. Today, through Treaty, we are moving forward to create real and lasting change – not only for First Peoples but for all Victorians.
‘I’m excited for the opportunities Treaty presents for Victoria Legal Aid to embed genuine self-determination in our programs and services as part of achieving true self-determination in Victoria.’
Our Board Chairperson Bill Jaboor said Victoria’s Treaty was a crucial mechanism for change.
‘Victoria Legal Aid fully supports Treaty in Victoria. We look forward to working in genuine partnership with and being guided by First Peoples to help address the injustices experienced by First Peoples.’
More information
Read more about Treaty on the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria website.
Updated