The legislation will set up a framework for a “truth-telling inquiry” to investigate painful actions and discriminatory incidents taken against Indigenous Australians in the past.
From there, a treaty can begin to be negotiated.
That could lead to changes in the teaching of Australia’s colonial history in schools and start discussions about handing back sacred land or changing names.
But the legislation being passed is only the first step to those further discussions, none of which have been settled.
“(It’s a) milestone today, the last 100 years First Nations people have been fighting for treaty,” Indigenous activist Grace Smallwood said.
“We want something very concrete and positive for the future of our children and white Australian children so we can all come together in one mob in reconciliation.”