Signing signals start of Treaty
The commencement of Australia’s first Treaty has been marked with a ceremonial signing and event at John Cain Arena in Melbourne.
Premier Jacinta Allan, Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Natalie Hutchins, and Co-Chairs of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria Ngarra Murray and Rueben Berg attended the event marking the official start of Treaty.
Treaty is a pathway to acknowledging the past and making real, practical changes to achieve better outcomes for First Peoples in Victoria and Close the Gap.
Premier Jacinta Allan speak at the event in Melbourne.
A woomera and spear were brought together to symbolise the beginning of a new formal relationship between First Peoples and the Victorian Government.
The Premier, Minister and Co-Chairs placed ochre handprints on kangaroo skin to represent the Treaty, and the Treaty Authority declared the commencement in accordance with their rules.
The public event featured iconic Australian artists including Alice Skye, Baker Boy, Briggs, Uncle Kutcha Edwards, Deborah Cheetham, Missy Higgins, Paul Kelly and a special appearance by Yothu Yindi performing their anthem ‘Treaty’ at the end.
Yorta Yorta Nation Graham Cannon and daughter Taleah Briggs pose for a photo ahead of the official commencement of Treaty event at John Cain Area.
The commencement follows Royal Assent of the Statewide Treaty Bill on 13 November 2025, which establishes Gellung Warl as a permanent entity including the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, a truth-telling arm and an independent accountability mechanism.
