Treaty Minister Natalie Hutchins to bow out

1 month ago 7

In this series, we explore all you need to know about Australia’s first treaty, between Victoria and its Indigenous peoples.

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Treaty Minister Natalie Hutchins will retire from politics next year, the second senior minister to step down under the leadership of Premier Jacinta Allan.

Allan confirmed in a statement that Hutchins had decided not to contest the 2026 election. She will remain in cabinet until December 22, when her portfolios will be distributed to other ministers.

The decision comes as Victoria’s historic treaty legislation is expected to pass the lower house this afternoon.

Hutchins has twice overseen the agreement through different ministerial appointments, and was visibly emotional on Tuesday when the bill was introduced into parliament.

Allan said Hutchins’ work on a treaty had begun when she was a minister in 2014 and had toured Victoria hearing from Indigenous people who were calling for the state to work on an agreement with its First Peoples.

“Recently Natalie negotiated Australia’s first treaty with First Peoples and introduced the legislation to enact that into parliament,” the premier said.

“Passing legislation to deliver Australia’s first treaty with First Peoples is the perfect way for her to conclude a career focused on fighting for justice alongside First Peoples.”

Allan said Hutchins had always put equality at the centre of her work and was a champion for social justice.

“Born in public housing and having grown up in the western suburbs of Melbourne, she has always been a passionate advocate to create opportunities for others and has been a fierce voice for the diverse and growing communities she now represents,” she said.

“I offer my sincere thanks for her service to this government, and to all Victorians.”

Hutchins was first elected in 2010 and first appointed as a minister in 2014 after the election of the Andrews government.

She has served in a range of portfolios over the past decade and is currently minister for treaty, government services, women and prevention of family violence.

Hutchins is the fifth Labor MP this year to announce her retirement at the election.

Last month, Steve McGhie, Jordan Crugnale, Jackson Taylor and Emma Vulin all announced they would not contest the 2026 election.

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