How you can support Treaty

The more people know about Treaty, the more people can counter misinformation. If you’d like to show your support for Treaty, here's what you can do.

Victoria’s statewide Treaty is something to celebrate and be proud of. It’s Australia’s first ever Treaty, and it’s about unity, moving forward and building a better future together.

Treaty recognises Aboriginal people are the experts on Aboriginal communities, culture and Country. Decision-making in the hands of those who know best: Treaty means Aboriginal communities can use local knowledge to come up with and deliver practical solutions to improve health, education and housing outcomes for Aboriginal communities.

Gellung Warl is the new body created by Victoria’s Treaty to make decisions about First Peoples, continue truth-telling and healing, and hold the Victorian Government to account.

Gellung Warl is the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria in the Treaty age.

Actions you can take

If you’d like to show your support for Treaty ahead of the Victorian state election, Gellung Warl has provided advice based on the pillars: Educate, Collaborate, Advocate, Activate.

These are some things you can do:

1. Let the leader of the Opposition know you support Treaty – call, visit, email, write, flood social media, start your own campaign.
2. Share and promote positive, factual information about Treaty.
3. Be a visible, vocal supporter – show up to events, put up posters, put info on your website, have community conversations. Save the date – 12.12.2026 Treaty Day!
4. Enrol (if you’re Mob), sign up (if you’re an ally) or become a Friend of Treaty organisation and make a public pledge.
5. Read, share and act on the truths and recommendations of the Yoorrook Justice Commission .

BSL is proud to be a Friend of Treaty . BSL has also signed an open letter in support of Treaty, led by ANTaR .

The more people know about Treaty, the more people can counter misinformation.

What is Treaty?

A treaty is an agreement between two or more parties that defines and formalises their relationship. It’s like a formal deal, written down and signed, after consultation and negotiation. It can then form the basis of binding obligations between the parties involved.

Why is Treaty important?

Australian governments have never formally recognised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with a formal agreement or Treaty.

Treaty is important for many reasons, including:

• The need to create a legal relationship
• Land rights and native title
• Living standards
• General reconciliation

Talking about Treaty

Gellung Warl has a ‘Friends of Treaty for Victoria’ messaging guide for ally organisations that you can use to learn and speak about Treaty. Together for Treaty also has resources on how to have conversations about Treaty . 

Resources

• Gellung Warl official page
• Victoria's Treaty – Vic Gov page

Tips

• Amplify, share and support First Peoples’ voices
• Share positive stories of First Peoples’ strength, knowledge and capability; find local examples
• Share your own reasons for supporting Treaty and connect them with shared values and vision
• Pair calls to action with references to truth, colonisation and injustice.