Victoria’s Labor government has pushed through Australia’s first state-based Indigenous Treaty, pressing ahead despite clear signs from the failed Voice to Parliament referendum that most Victorians oppose race-based political structures.

🚨 Democracy is dead in Victoria

Last night Labor passed a Statewide Treaty that hands race-based power over government departments.

Victoria VOTED NO.

They did it anyway.

This is the beginning of government-mandated discrimination.

Full story: https://t.co/vvomnh9KsS pic.twitter.com/uINO56upy1

— Avi Yemini (@OzraeliAvi) October 31, 2025

The Treaty Bill passed the upper house just after 8.45pm on Thursday, prompting cheers, tears and flag-waving in the public gallery. The legislation establishes ‘Gellung Warl,’ a new body with oversight powers across government departments and agencies, and embeds Indigenous truth-telling into schools.

It also requires consultation on policies affecting Indigenous people and creates a naming authority for geographical features.

Labor passed the bill with the support of the Greens, Legalise Cannabis and the Animal Justice party. The Coalition, Libertarian MP David Limbrick, One Nation’s Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell, who is Indigenous, and Shooters, Fishers and Farmers party MP Jeff Bourman voted against the bill.

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Supporters hailed the move as a long-overdue step toward justice. Dr Jill Gallagher, chief executive of the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, said, “Treaty is not just about recognition - it's about justice, healing and truth-telling.”

Victorians are waking up today to the realisation that the Labor government has helped push through a treaty, effectively establishing a "shadow" Indigenous bureaucracy / pseudo-government that has no accountability to the people of the state.

The new First Nations Assembly… pic.twitter.com/XdwJFBbGTH

— Rukshan Fernando (@therealrukshan) October 30, 2025

But critics warned the government is ignoring the will of voters, citing the 2023 Voice referendum where 54 per cent of Victorians voted No.

Institute of Public Affairs research fellow Margaret Chambers said the Treaty would “permanently divide Victorians” and create “a two-tiered system of government.”

The Treaty is about nothing more than segregation and division!
Well said Sam!👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 pic.twitter.com/s52A25tUk6

— katy 🌸 (@KatyKray73) October 28, 2025

An IPA-commissioned survey found only 37 per cent of Victorians support a treaty between the government and Aboriginal groups, with 42 per cent opposed and 21 per cent unsure.

Liberal MP David Davis blasted the celebrations inside parliament as “outrageous.” He said, “It will cost Victorians a bomb, and block government as well as projects around the state.”

Victorian Treaty passed by the upper house.

Take a close look, Victoria.. this is the face of treason.

Forget The Voice,.. Victoria has The Treaty.

God help Victoria. pic.twitter.com/YcyzoXTzpA

— Roller (@roller2426) October 30, 2025

Opposition Aboriginal Affairs spokesperson Melina Bath vowed to repeal the Treaty within 100 days of taking office. “We don't believe Treaty is the best way to close the gap and deliver better outcomes for Indigenous communities,” she said.

Premier Jacinta Allan dismissed the criticism, insisting the referendum result “had no bearing on treaty.” She said the legislation ensures Aboriginal Victorians have a say in policies affecting their lives. “This is how we build a fairer, stronger Victoria for everyone,” Allan said.