Australia’s first treaty legislation has been passed, marking a historic milestone following a late-night parliamentary debate.

The landmark legislation passed in the upper house of Victorian parliament late on Thursday, leading to cheers and celebrations in the public gallery.

Premier Jacinta Allan said the bill would be signed by the state government and First Peoples’ Assembly in coming weeks.

“Treaty gives Aboriginal communities the power to shape the policies and services that affect their lives,” she said.

Under the treaty bill, the state’s Indigenous representative body will be made permanent and granted expanded powers.

It will act as a voice to state parliament that the government must consult on laws and policies affecting Aboriginal Victorians.

The body is named Gellung Warl, which means “tip of the spear” or “pointed spear” in Gunaikurnai language, in the treaty and legislation.

But it will continue to be called the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria and operate out of a dedicated room within Victorian parliament.

Assembly co-chair and Wamba Wamba, Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung and Dhudhuroa woman Ngarra Murray celebrated the passing of the legislation.

“This is a historic moment for our people. We will tell our children about today, and they will tell their children, passing down to future generations the story of how decades of Aboriginal resilience and activism led to Australia’s first treaty,” Ngarra said.

“Treaty marks the beginning of a new era, one where First Peoples’ 60,000 years of knowledge and culture is respected and celebrated. It’s an opportunity for all Victorians to acknowledge our shared history, heal and move forward together.”

The in-principle agreement came after almost a year of negotiations between the government and First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria and the end of a state truth-telling inquiry exposing the mistreatment of Aboriginal people since colonisation.

Greens leader Ellen Sandell described the bill’s passing as a historic and special moment for First Nations people.

“Aboriginal people are the experts in their own communities, and treaty is about recognising and embracing that truth. When people are empowered to make choices about what works best for their communities, everyone thrives,” she said.

Victoria’s opposition has promised to move to repeal the Australian-first statewide treaty within 100 days if elected to office in November 2026.

-AAP