Anniversary of Victoria’s Statewide Treaty Commencement

12 December

Victoria’s Statewide Treaty commenced on 12 December 2025 through a ceremonial exchange between the Victorian Government and the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria. This anniversary recognises a significant milestone in First Peoples’ advocacy for self-determination, truth-telling and a renewed relationship with the State.

Signing and commencement are different dates

The Statewide Treaty was signed on 13 November 2025, when the Statewide Treaty Bill also received Royal Assent. Commencement followed on 12 December. This page uses the commencement date for its annual calendar entry and keeps the earlier signing and legislative milestone distinct.

The Victorian Government’s account identifies the public commencement event as taking place at John Cain Arena. Earlier announcements named a different planned venue; an account of what occurred should use the later record rather than treating a planned location as the final location.

What the Treaty concerns

The Treaty recognises the continuing relationship of First Peoples to Country, Aboriginal Lore, Law and Cultural Authority. It was negotiated between the First Peoples’ Assembly and the State. Its significance lies in the commitments and relationship it establishes, as well as the ceremonial milestone.

The Statewide Treaty Act establishes Gellung Warl, which the government records as established on 1 May 2026. Its three parts concern representation through the First Peoples’ Assembly, independent oversight and accountability, and truth-telling, healing and reconciliation. The official explanation describes practical areas including education, cultural safety and the use of First Peoples’ place names.

Learning about commitments and implementation

The commencement date is a useful starting point for reading the agreement itself. Distinguish the agreement’s commitments, the legislation supporting them, and evidence of implementation. An anniversary can recognise the work required to reach agreement while still asking what changes people experience in practice.

A statewide agreement also should not be used to speak as though every Aboriginal nation or individual has identical views. Read First Peoples’ accounts alongside government explanations and identify the particular parties, institutions and responsibilities involved.

Ways to mark the anniversary

A school or workplace can compare the Treaty’s preamble with its practical commitments, learn about the work of the Assembly, and consider how representation and accountability operate. Useful questions include who participates in decisions, how commitments are monitored, and how truth-telling informs current practice.

Use current information when discussing implementation. The 2025 commencement is a historical date; the work of putting commitments into effect continues beyond that occasion.

Sources and further reading

The links below provide historical research, First Nations perspectives and official records. Historical sources may contain distressing material, outdated language, and names or images of people who have died.

Online sources

Victoria’s Statewide Treaty. First Peoples – State Relations, Victorian Government. Confirms commencement on 12 December 2025 and links to the signed Treaty.
https://www.firstpeoplesrelations.vic.gov.au/victorias-statewide-treaty

What is Treaty?. First Peoples – State Relations. Separates signing and Royal Assent on 13 November from commencement.
https://www.firstpeoplesrelations.vic.gov.au/what-treaty

What Treaty delivers. First Peoples – State Relations. Explains Gellung Warl and the Treaty’s practical commitments.
https://www.firstpeoplesrelations.vic.gov.au/what-treaty-delivers

Statewide Treaty. Treaty Authority. The signed agreement, for reading alongside summaries.
https://treatyauthority.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Statewide-Treaty-2025-Signed.pdf

Our related products and resources

We do not currently offer products or learning resources specifically for this date. The reading links above are provided for background and further learning. Suitable items from our range will be added here as they become available.