ON Tuesday, December 9, the Victorian Government delivered a historic and deeply significant apology to Aboriginal Victorians during a special sitting of parliament.
The apology marks the first major public action under Victoria’s groundbreaking treaty agreement, signed into law last month. Central to this process is the establishment of a new, formal relationship between the First Nations people of Victoria and the State Government, grounded in respect, recognition and shared decision-making.
The Treaty, enabled through the Statewide Treaty Act 2025, formalises an agreement between the State of Victoria and the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria. It focuses on advancing self-determination and embedding shared decision-making across government.
Premier Jacinta Allan described the parliamentary apology as “a formal and sincere apology,” acknowledging the profound harm and lasting impacts of past policies while signalling the beginning of a new chapter in the state’s relationship with Aboriginal communities.
You can read the full Apology, a poignant and powerful statement, by click on the following link: https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/apology-first-peoples-victoria
