Series
A time for treaty
In this series, we explore all you need to know about Australia’s first treaty, between Victoria and its Indigenous peoples.
Travis Lovett to pull on his long-distance truth-telling shoes again
The former Yoorook Justice Commission deputy plans to walk from Melbourne to Canberra to ask the prime minister to establish a national truth-telling process.
- Tony Wright
- First Peoples
- Indigenous
Australia’s first treaty sealed by handprints on kangaroo skin
Victoria’s treaty is given a wildly enthusiastic welcome by First Nations people at a cultural celebration in Melbourne.
- Tony Wright
Video: What is the treaty?
Victoria is legislating the first treaty with Indigenous peoples in Australia. Watch the video to find out how we got here and what it will mean in practice.
- Jack Latimore
Mixing pride and sorrow, Victoria says sorry to First Peoples
In emotional scenes, Premier Jacinta Allan has used her apology to First Peoples to vow that Treaty will not be a mere gesture.
- Kieran Rooney
‘These words cannot disappear’: Victoria’s historic treaty becomes law
This was a moment the Victorian government had been working towards for a decade, and Indigenous people much longer.
- Chip Le Grand
The votes are counted and the quiet shattered as treaty arrives in Victoria
The first treaty with our First Peoples came after a long debate and even longer wait.
- Chip Le Grand
As Victoria makes treaty, Sheena Watt feels the burden of history
During an emotional treaty debate, the government’s only Indigenous MP recounted the moment she remade a family connection severed by past policies.
- Chip Le Grand
Podcast: Treaty makes First Peoples feel ‘safe’ – but here’s what it doesn’t include
Listen to the full episode featuring Gunditjmara elder Aunty Jill Gallagher or read an edited extract of the conversation.
- Samantha Selinger-Morris
Treaty Minister Natalie Hutchins to bow out
The decision comes as Victoria’s historic treaty legislation passed the lower house this afternoon.
- Kieran Rooney and Rachel Eddie
- Opinion
Like Dutton with the apology, Victoria’s opposition has turned its back on a key moment
As the parliament rose to applaud the speeches of Aboriginal leaders, opposition MPs stayed glued to their seats.
- Chip Le Grand
- Treaty
The sweet smoke of gum leaves and a pointed perspective on treaty
The day began with a smoking ceremony at Victoria’s parliament, building up to a cry for the end of governments making decisions for First Nations people.
- Tony Wright
- Exclusive
Coalition pledges to scrap treaty laws if elected as debate reaches parliament
A Coalition government would rescind Victoria’s treaty legislation within 100 days if elected in 2026.
- Kieran Rooney and Chip Le Grand
- Explainer
‘That moment of agreement’: How treaties with First Nations people work around the world
There’s the Treaty of Waitangi, modern agreements in British Columbia, and hundreds of historic treaties in the US. What can we expect as Victoria prepares to sign Australia’s first formal treaty with traditional owners?
- Jackson Graham
- Editorial
Treaty is a substantial step towards reconciliation and justice
The establishment of a treaty between the state government and First Peoples is welcome. Reconciliation will never come without bold political action and genuine leadership.
- The Age's View
- Opinion
If you’re shocked by the arrival of treaty in Victoria, you’ve not been paying attention
Treaty is not a policy or a debate. In Victoria, it is here. Rueben Berg, who helped negotiate it, says what matters now is making it work.
- Chip Le Grand
- Updated
Australia’s first treaty a turning point for nation, Indigenous leaders say
The treaty comprises a formal apology, reframing the school curriculum and greater use of traditional names for natural parks and waterways.
- Chip Le Grand
- Exclusive
Tip of the Spear: How things will change under treaty
Victoria’s treaty will give First Peoples’ representatives an occasional seat in cabinet and declare non-compliant laws which don’t further their interests.
- Chip Le Grand
- Exclusive
Treaty negotiations complete, a historic agreement is within reach
A new Indigenous body is to have the power to question ministers, call public hearings and advise government.
- Chip Le Grand
- Opinion
Treaty 1 is only the start. Just don’t tell John Howard
The realisation of treaty between Australia’s First Peoples and the Crown will be a profound moment, but the contents of the agreement may seem underwhelming.
- Chip Le Grand
New powers, greater role for peak Aboriginal body in Victoria
An expanded First Peoples’ Assembly would be given statutory powers to question ministers, provide advice and make appointments to government boards.
- Chip Le Grand
- Series
A time for truth: Yoorrook Justice Commission
In this series, we examine the inquiry of the Yoorrook Justice Commission into the impact of colonisation on Indigenous Victorians and seek a just way forward.
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