December 9th, 2025Formal apology to First Peoples

Victoria has taken another important step towards building a shared understanding of our history and addressing past injustices, with a formal apology to First Peoples in the Victorian Parliament.

Premier Jacinta Allan’s apology today acknowledged the impacts upon First Peoples since colonisation.

The apology is a key recommendation of Victoria’s nation-leading Yoorrook Justice Commission and was a commitment of the State’s first Treaty.

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 is available to view on the Parliament of Victoria website at parliament.vic.gov.au.

Premier Jacinta Allan said the apology was about unity and healing, and it laid the foundation for practical changes through Treaty to improve outcomes and close the gap.

Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Natalie Hutchins said the apology was an important first step in Victoria’s Treaty era towards a shared understanding of “our complex history and a better future for all Victorians”.