The Victorian opposition recently announced that if it wins the 2026 state election, it will repeal the state’s Indigenous Treaty Bill within the first 100 days of office, replacing it with a “First Nations Victoria Department” and a consultative body. The announcement has sparked strong backlash from the government and Indigenous councils.
The Treaty Bill, currently under debate in the state parliament, aims to establish the Victorian First Peoples’ Assembly as a permanent electoral institution representing traditional landowners as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across the state. After nearly a year of negotiations between the government and parliament, the bill is expected to pass with the support of Labor and crossbench MPs. The new law would grant the Assembly the power to advise on government policy and hold ministers accountable through public hearings, seen as a key reform to promote Indigenous self-determination and advance Closing the Gap initiatives.
Melina Bath, Nationals MP and opposition spokesperson for Indigenous affairs, stated that the Treaty Bill is not the best means to reduce disparities or improve outcomes for Indigenous communities. The opposition plans to consolidate Indigenous affairs under a single minister and release regular “Closing the Gap” progress reports, replacing the broad oversight and accountability powers granted to the Assembly under the original treaty. Liberal Party leader Brad Battin added that Labor has failed to deliver real change, and the opposition will adopt a more “pragmatic” policy, working with Indigenous organizations, elders, and communities to ensure culturally safe and locally informed policy.
The announcement was sharply criticized by both the government and the Assembly. Labor Premier Jacinta Allan condemned the opposition’s pledge, saying it would “destroy” a decade of work between the government and Indigenous communities. Ngarra Murray, co-chair of the First Peoples’ Assembly, stated that the treaty symbolizes an end to top-down policymaking, ensuring that Indigenous people are no longer politically exploited. Another co-chair, Rueben Berg, emphasized that the treaty is intended to strengthen communities within the state, not to create division.