- Published:
- Thursday 27 November 2025 at 10:00 am
Victoria will take an important step towards addressing past injustices towards Aboriginal people and building a stronger, united future, with an apology to First Peoples to be made in the Victorian Parliament.
Premier Jacinta Allan will make a formal apology in Parliament House on Tuesday, 9 December 2025.
The apology is a key recommendation of Victoria’s nation-leading Yoorrook Justice Commission and was committed to in the first Treaty, following the Statewide Treaty Act 2025 becoming law.
The Commission heard evidence that the colonisation of Victoria was marked by dispossession, displacement and violence towards First Peoples.
The final report of the Yoorrook Justice Commission recommended an acknowledgement of the responsibility of predecessors for laws, policies and practices that contributed to injustices against First Peoples in Victoria.
The Victorian Government has worked with the First Peoples’ Assembly to deliver the apology through the Treaty process.
This apology, along with Victoria’s Treaty is a chance for all Victorians to move forward together. It’s a pathway to acknowledging the past and making real, practical changes to achieve better outcomes for First Peoples and close the gap.
The apology can be viewed by the public at Parliament House. It will also be live-streamed on the Parliament of Victoria website at parliament.vic.gov.au.
Support is available through Lifeline (13 11 14), Yarning SafeNStrong (1800 959 563) or Beyond Blue (1300 22 46 36).
Quote attributable to Premier Jacinta Allan
“We are addressing the injustices of the past to build a better future for all Victorians, grounded in mutual respect and understanding.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Natalie Hutchins
"Yoorrook has laid bare the impacts of the past on First Peoples - it's important that we apologise for injustices and acknowledge their enduring strength."