Two Years On: Still “Yes” — But Now It’s Time to Hold Promises to Account
It’s hard to believe two years have passed since the Voice to Parliament referendum on October 14, 2023. For many First Nations people, that day still sits heavy. The result brought a deep sense of grief and disappointment that hasn’t gone away. But alongside that pain, there’s also strength and a fire that hasn’t dimmed.
Two years on, the conversations around Treaty, Truth, and Justice are louder and more urgent than ever. Across the country, people are refusing to stay silent. And here in Victoria, we’re witnessing something historic the first real steps toward a Statewide Treaty.
Treaty Making: From Talk to Action
This year marked a turning point. In September 2025, the Victorian Government and the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria reached an in-principle agreement on a Statewide Treaty the first of its kind in Australia. It’s a huge moment. For years, the Assembly and communities have done the hard yards: building trust, shaping frameworks, and pushing for something that truly recognises First Peoples’ sovereignty.
The Statewide Treaty Bill 2025 will now be debated in parliament. If passed, it will transform the First Peoples’ Assembly into a permanent, representative body called Gellung Warl (meaning tip of the spear), giving it real powers to oversee treaty obligations and hold governments accountable. It’s a model that could reshape how this country approaches sovereignty and decision-making if done right.
At the same time, local treaty work is underway. The Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation (DJAARA) became the first Traditional Owner group to enter formal negotiations with the Victorian Government. It’s a reminder that treaty isn’t just one big agreement it’s also local, cultural, and grounded in Country.
Of course, there’s still a long road ahead. An “in-principle” agreement doesn’t mean the job’s done. The real test will come in how governments implement these commitments whether they act on what’s been agreed to, and if they genuinely share power with First Peoples.
See the resources section below for a link to all the statewide Treaty-making bodies.
Truth-Telling: From Inquiry to Action
Alongside treaty, truth-telling continues to move forward in powerful ways. In July 2025, the Yoorrook Justice Commission handed down its final report a monumental moment in Victoria’s journey toward justice.
Yoorrook’s work has been brave and confronting. Over years of hearings, submissions, and testimonies, it has documented the realities of colonisation and the ongoing injustices that still shape First Peoples’ lives. The Commission didn’t mince words either it named what happened in Victoria for what it was: genocide and crimes against humanity.
The final report made more than 100 recommendations across health, education, justice, housing, and land rights. It called on the State to issue a formal apology and embed redress and reform into the Treaty process itself.
For many, reading or hearing these truths has been painful but it’s also necessary. Truth-telling isn’t about guilt; it’s about understanding how we got here, so we can build something better. The Yoorrook Public Record, called Truth Be Told, is now available online and stands as a permanent archive of these stories. Every Victorian should take the time to listen.
Some sites to start your search with:
Yoorrook website has an archive of the submissions of the truth-telling and evidence they have heard.
Uncle Robbie Thorpe (Djuran Bunjileenee) of the Krautungalung people of the Gunnai Nation has been at the forefront of Camp Sovereignty in Narrm (Melbourne) and prosecuting the Australian government for acts of genocide against Indigenous communities. He has brought attention to the systemic and deliberate actions that have sought to destroy First Nations people and culture, using International Customary Law to frame Australia as a crime scene. For a list of upcoming legal cases and court documentation visit Crime Scene Australia.
The ‘Frontier War Stories’ podcast is a powerful platform dedicated to exploring and bringing to light the often-overlooked history of the Frontier Wars in Australia. Hosted by Boe Spearim, a proud Gamilaraay and Kooma man.
Keeping the Momentum
Two years after the referendum, it’s easy for some people to move on. But for Mob and for allies who are truly listening this isn’t something we get to forget.
This year especially, allyship means holding governments, businesses, and institutions to account. Ask them: What are you doing to support Treaty? How are you acting on Yoorrook’s recommendations? And as January 26 approaches, where do you stand on the Not a Date to Celebrate campaign?
Allyship isn’t about standing on the sidelines it’s about being in the room, using your voice, and backing the people doing the work.
Opposition Leader Brad Battin’s decision to rip up Treaty with First Peoples if elected is a disgusting betrayal of Aboriginal communities. Sign the petition to show that thousands of people from all walks of life will fight for truth-telling, Treaty and justice.
Clothing The Gaps has also started a petition ‘Australia Day - Not a date to celebrate!’ petition calling for leadership from Prime Minister Albanese to acknowledge the harm that January 26 represents and to commit to a thoughtful and inclusive process to reconsider its place as a national holiday.
It’s been a long road since 2023. But there’s also progress real, tangible progress being made here in Victoria. The work of the First Peoples’ Assembly, the Yoorrook Commission, and countless Community leaders is rewriting what’s possible in this country.
So as we mark two years since the referendum, we say again: It’s still Yes.
Yes to listening.
Yes to truth.
Yes to treaty.
Yes to justice.
But most importantly yes to action.
Because this movement has never been about one vote. It’s about generations of resistance, strength, and the unshakable belief that sovereignty was never ceded — and it never will be.
Have a read of our ‘Allyship beyond the trend’ blog we wrote back in 2020.
Wearing your Tee everyday - Allyship beyond the trend
Read Blog'65,000 Years Strong' Post Referendum Campaign
Your yes Tee and beyond
Wearing your values
In a time when the majority of Australians voted "No," what we choose to wear became a powerful way to identify allies, create connections, and foster a sense of community—most importantly, it sparks conversations that support First Nations peoples. We’ve curated some items we believe are perfect for this moment—because what you wear can spark change.
CAMPAIGN
Referendum: For a First Nations Voice to Parliament
We are deeply committed to driving conversations and actions for social change. In the lead-up to the October 14, 2023, referendum we created and shared a range of resources, including insightful podcasts, compelling videos, and informative articles.
Although the referendum didn't pass, we hope people continue to learn and educate themselves with these resources, keeping the conversation and momentum alive.
Resources
We’ve listed state by state the bodies leading Treaty-making below:
Victoria:
First Peoples Assembly of Victoria
Northern Territory: Northern Territory Treaty Commission
South Australia: In 2018, Treaty negotiations ceased in South Australia without a final resolution. At present, a South Australian Voice to Parliament is being
developed.
List of Aboriginal Legal Services to support:
New South Wales / ACT - Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) Website: https://www.alsnswact.org.au
Victoria - Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) Website: https://www.vals.org.au
Queensland - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service (ATSILS) Queensland. Website: https://www.atsils.org.au
South Australia - Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement (ALRM). Website: https://www.alrm.org.au
Western Australia - Aboriginal Legal Service of Western Australia (ALSWA). Website: https://www.als.org.au
Northern Territory - North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA). Website: https://www.naaja.org.au
Tasmania - Tasmanian Aboriginal Community Legal Service (TACLS). Website: https://tacls.org.au
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