Victoria has become the first Australian state to formally sign a treaty with Indigenous people, enshrining a new partnership between the state government and First Peoples.

Members of the First Peoples’ Assembly gathered for a signing ceremony on Wednesday night, and the agreement received the signature of Governor Margaret Gardner on Thursday morning.

The treaty creates a permanent representative body called Gellung Warl, incorporating the First Peoples’ Assembly and new institutions for truth-telling and accountability.

Victorians will see a formal apology to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, recognition of traditional place names, and structured consultation on laws and policies that affect First Nations communities.

Gunditjmara elder Jill Gallagher said the moment marked “a turning point in our nation’s history”, enabling the healing of old wounds and the building of new relationships based on truth, justice and mutual respect.

Premier Jacinta Allan described the step as opening “a new chapter” in the state’s history, one founded on partnership and equality.

The treaty process originated in 2016 and culminated in the Yoorrook Justice Commission’s final report in June this year, which laid bare centuries of colonisation and dispossession.

The legislation passed the Victorian Parliament in October, and with the governor’s assent the agreement is now law.

While the federal referendum in 2023 to establish a constitutional Indigenous Voice failed, the Victorian treaty advances the three pillars articulated in the 2017 Uluru Statement from the Heart—voice, treaty and truth.

United Nations human rights chief Volker Türk described the accord as having “the potential to be truly transformative, ensuring the First Peoples have a direct voice”.

The treaty marks a historic milestone over 220 years after Indigenous communities first faced British colonisation of Victoria.

It positions the state as setting a precedent in recognition, reform and shared decision-making with First Peoples.