Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have successfully managed the seas, sky and country for 60,000 plus years. They are the oldest continuous living culture on earth. And they have been asking us to walk with them. Treaty is our chance.
After almost a decade of hard work, courage and truth-telling, a treaty between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Victorians and the Victorian Government has been negotiated. Treaty Legislation has been introduced into the Victorian Parliament, and with the help of Legalise Cannabis Victoria (LCV), that legislation is set to pass in October 2025.
LCV is a party of compassion. We have a steadfast commitment to evidence-based policies and, human rights. We support Treaty in and of itself, but also, because we acknowledge the disproportionate effect the criminalisation of cannabis continues to have on First Nations people. Aboriginal Victorians are 8 times more likely to be arrested (rather than cautioned) for cannabis possession, and even though they make up 1% of the Victorian population, they represent almost 10% of cannabis related arrests. The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics data indicates that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander prisoners account for 36% of all persons in custody despite being less than 4% of the population – making them literally the most incarcerated people on the planet. This is nothing short of institutional racism at work and we will not stand for it.
Victoria’s Treaty comes at the end of the profound work of the Yoorrook Justice Commission. Treaties are not uncommon globally, but it is the first of its kind in Australia. Similar treaties in the United States, New Zealand and Canada have not seen the sky fall in – rather, they have contributed to the walk toward healing and improved health, economic and other outcomes for First Peoples.
Once again, Victoria is proudly leading the way in Australia.
Some sections of the population – fuelled by a media addicted to misinformation and rage-bait – call Treaty divisive. We say that reckoning with the truth of our past is not divisive, it is healing. All Aboriginal people are asking for is to move forward together – not in front, not behind, but together. As proud Victorians. At LCV we are humbled to be part of the Treaty process, and we look forward to being instrumental in getting the Treaty legislation over the line in October.
If you have concerns about Treaty, please do not get your information from social media!
We can assure you that with the proposed treaty:
- You will not lose your backyard, property or farm.
- Your kids will still learn mainstream history alongside First Nations history at school.
- Aboriginal people want to walk with you.
Everything is above board – there’s no commercial in confidence or anything you can’t see.
You can read the whole negotiated Treaty here. You can read the Victorian Treaty Bill here.
Published 30th of September, 2025.
Related:
> Fund Dandenong’s vital First Nations health services – Rachel Payne
> National Reconciliation Week 2023 – Rachel Payne
External:
> Victoria’s Negotiated Statewide Treaty | treatyvictoria.vic.gov.au
> Statewide Treaty Bill 2025 | legislation.vic.gov.au
