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An Australian-first treaty with Aboriginal People will take effect just before Christmas  but will not be up and running until mid-2026. The signing of the historic agreement has been hailed as a historic moment, but critics question how effective it can be. The state’s Indigenous representative body has been granted expanded powers and acts as a voice to parliament that the government must consult on laws and policies affecting Aboriginal Victorians.

Victoria’s opposition does not support treaty and has vowed to repeal it if it wins government.

The Torres Strait Elders behind a landmark climate case against the Federal Government say they are appealing a Federal Court’s decision for the future of their children. Uncle Paul Kabai and Uncle Pabai Pabai first brought the case against the Commonwealth government in 2021, fearing for their homes on Boigu and Saibai Islands. They sought orders from the court that would require the government to take steps to prevent harm to their communities, including cutting greenhouse gas emissions in line with the best available science.

By RHODA ROBERTS

A chef who carries deep cultural responsibility Bundjalung man Mark Olive stands as one of our first internationally trained Aboriginal chefs, a true. Pioneer whose groundbreaking work has reshaped an industry that now, at last, is recognising the extraordinary flavours this country has always held.

Mark Olive’s long and distinguished career continues to be recognised, most recently with the 2025 NSW Tourism Restaurant Award at the NSW Restaurant and Catering Awards for Excellence.

A new national Indigenous business register has been launched in an effort to stamp out ‘black cladding’ – where non-Indigenous companies falsely present as Aboriginal-owned and controlled to access Indigenous procurement opportunities. Incidents of black cladding have existed since the introduction of the Indigenous Procurement Policy in 2015.

However, growing evidence has uncovered that a significant portion of these funds might never have reached Aboriginal communities.

By KRIS FLANDERS

Over 50 players from an Indigenous background laced up football boots and entertained thousands each weekend in the 2025 season of the NRL. From winning major awards at the Dally Ms to representing their family and mob in the annual Indigenous All Stars game, to starring for their state in the Origin series and the highest representative honour by playing for Australia. And on the game’s biggest stage, they delivered in the grand final.

Tamika Upton was named the National Sports Person Of the Year, joining other award winners on the night, including: Sports Official of the Year – James Dean; Media of the Year – Charlie King; Community Organisation of the Year – Arrernte Community Boxing Academy; Team of the Year – Fitzroy Stars AFL; Coach of The Year – David Williams; Sportsperson with a Disability – Katelyn Smith; Senior Elder of the Year – Coastal Emus Maclean; Junior Sportsperson – Landen Scales; Trailblazer of the Year – Lydia Williams; Competition of the Year – Murri Rugby League Carnival; Lifetime Achievement- Evonne Goolagong Cawley; Volunteer of the Year; April Le Sour, Rumbalara Football Club.