Permanent Voice to Parliament: Victoria Set to Cement First Peoples’ Assembly with Crossbench Support
Historic Shift: Victoria to Enshrine First Peoples’ Assembly as Permanent Indigenous Voice to Parliament
MELBOURNE — In a major step forward for Indigenous representation, the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria is set to become a permanent voice to the state parliament, following successful negotiations between the Andrews Labor government and key members of the crossbench.
The decision will give the Assembly statutory powers and formal recognition within Victoria’s legislative framework — a historic move that comes months after the national referendum on a federal Voice to Parliament was defeated.
This is the first time any Australian state has taken such significant steps to embed Indigenous consultation into law, effectively ensuring that First Nations voices have a lasting and structured presence in policy-making that affects them.
Crossbench Support Secures Victory for Labor
Labor secured the numbers needed after intense negotiations with Greens, Legalise Cannabis MPs, and some independents, who have backed the bill to make the Assembly permanent.
The bill will rename and elevate the Assembly from an advisory role to a formally legislated body, giving it a seat at the table in areas such as treaty development, truth-telling, and government programs affecting Aboriginal communities.
Sources within parliament confirmed that amendments were made to address crossbench concerns around transparency, independence, and the role of elders and traditional owners.
What Will the New Assembly Do?
While the Assembly has been operating since 2019 to support Victoria’s landmark Treaty process, the new legislation will grant it enhanced status and clearer responsibilities.
Key Powers and Responsibilities:
- Act as the primary consultative body on matters relating to Aboriginal Victorians
- Provide formal input into state laws, policies, and budgets
- Help facilitate truth-telling initiatives, such as the Yoorrook Justice Commission
- Lead and support Treaty negotiations with the state government
- Ensure cultural protocols and self-determination principles are respected in policymaking
The renamed body will still be elected by First Nations communities, preserving its grassroots legitimacy.
A Win After National Referendum Defeat
The move is seen as a significant moral and political win for Indigenous communities in Victoria, especially after the emotional fallout from the failed 2023 national referendum on a constitutionally enshrined Voice.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, who has continued the work begun under former Premier Daniel Andrews, said the legislation reflects the state’s long-term commitment to reconciliation and justice.
“We believe in Treaty. We believe in truth-telling. And we believe that Aboriginal Victorians should have a permanent voice in decisions that affect their lives,” Allan said in a press briefing.
How Did the Crossbench Shape the Final Bill?
Several crossbench MPs, including the Greens, had previously expressed concerns that the bill lacked clear independence and enforceable powers. Their support was secured after key provisions were added:
- Safeguards for cultural independence from government departments
- Greater autonomy in setting the Assembly’s internal processes
- Assurances that regional voices and smaller First Nations would be equitably represented
Legalise Cannabis MP Rachel Payne told reporters her support was based on guarantees that the Assembly would not become a “tick-box consultation body” but a “real mechanism for First Nations leadership.”
Opposition Stance: Quiet but Divided
While the Victorian Liberal Party has not publicly opposed the legislation, it has also not pledged formal support. Several backbenchers reportedly support the principle of the Assembly but are wary of what they see as “overreach” in policymaking powers.
Shadow Indigenous Affairs spokesperson Peter Walsh said in a brief statement:
“We support reconciliation and better outcomes for Aboriginal communities, but we want to make sure this model is practical, inclusive, and delivers on-the-ground benefits.”
Indigenous Leaders Welcome the Move
Indigenous leaders and community advocates have hailed the announcement as a moment of “real change.”
Assembly Co-Chair Ngarra Murray said,
“This isn’t just symbolic. It’s about structural change. It means First Peoples will always have a voice in this parliament—no matter who’s in government.”
Leaders from across the state — including traditional owner groups in Gippsland, the Mallee, and metropolitan Melbourne — said the move gives long-overdue recognition to First Nations sovereignty and self-determination.
What Happens Next?
The legislation is expected to pass the upper house within weeks, with implementation beginning by the end of the year. Once established, the new statutory body will replace the current version of the Assembly and begin its first formal term under the new framework.
Public awareness campaigns are also expected, aimed at educating Victorians about the Assembly’s role and how Aboriginal people across the state can participate in electing representatives.
Broader Implications for Australia
Victoria’s move could set a precedent for other states, especially in the wake of the national Voice referendum’s failure. While the constitution may remain unchanged, states and territories have more flexibility to embed First Nations voices in their legal and policy systems.
Queensland, South Australia, and the ACT have all launched or proposed state-based truth-telling or treaty processes, but none have yet created a permanent, legislated Indigenous voice of the kind now being introduced in Victoria.
Final Thoughts
In a year marked by setbacks in the national conversation around Indigenous justice, Victoria’s bold move sends a powerful message: Progress is still possible — and happening.
By making the First Peoples’ Assembly a permanent part of parliament, the state has taken a major step toward not only listening to Aboriginal voices, but acting on them.