Australia - October 2025

On 30 October, the parliament of the state of Victoria passed the Statewide Treaty Bill, establishing the first-ever treaty framework for First Nations people in Australia. This legislation establishes a permanent, democratically elected Indigenous body called ‘Gellung Warl,’ which will replace the existing and temporary First People’s Assembly that was established in 2019. The new body is legally required to be consulted on laws and policies that affect Indigenous communities, whereas the previous body had more of an advisory role, providing informal input and working to establish the treaty negotiation framework. The treaty agreement also includes commitments to include more information about Victoria’s First Nations’ people in school curricula, among other things. The bill is the result of decades-long advocacy efforts led by Indigenous communities and follows the findings and recommendations of the Yoorrook Justice Commission’s truth-telling report in July 2025. The legislation received royal assent on 13 November. 

Sources: International IDEA, ABC News, The Guardian, Reconciliation Australia, Victorian Legislation