Treaty could make people ‘feel more divided’, Victorian opposition leader says, as Coalition withdraws support

The Coalition backed a bill in 2022 to start the treaty process with Indigenous people in Victoria but has now ended years of bipartisanship on the issue

• Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates
• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

The Victorian opposition leader, John Pesutto, has refused to say when the Coalition decided it would withdraw its support for a treaty with the state's Indigenous people, ending years of bipartisanship on the issue.

Pesutto on Monday told reporters the Coalition had discussed the issue internally and with stakeholders on an ongoing basis for many months" before deciding to change its position.

Sign up for Guardian Australia's free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup