Treaty for Victoria

In Victoria we have been on the Truth and Treaty path for more than eight years. We have passed legislation twice, developed policies, and made commitments across every level of government.

Victoria’s Treaty is about putting practical frameworks in place to implement better policies and make sure First People have a say in decisions that impact First Peoples’ lives.

We are on this path because throughout our history, First Peoples have been excluded from social and economic opportunities through the actions of successive governments.

This has created an opportunity gap between First Peoples and other Victorians, that continues today.

Without significant change, this exclusion will continue – regardless of the good intentions of Victorians who embrace and respect Aboriginal people and culture.

Why Victoria needs Treaty

When you listen to people, you get better outcomes. Treaty gives us a pathway to change what isn’t working – and gives First Peoples a say on the decisions that impact their lives.

Victoria is a proud, multicultural state. We value diversity. We value the 65,000 years of living First Peoples culture. Treaty is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the unique status, rights, cultures and histories of First Peoples.

Victoria is the first and most advanced jurisdiction in Australia to pursue Treaty. We have done so in direct response to sustained advocacy by First Peoples. International and local evidence shows Treaties will deliver better outcomes for all Victorians.

Treaty aims to bring Victorian communities together to build strong relationships based on respect.

How Treaty negotiations will work

Treaty negotiations are expected to begin in late 2024.

Laws passed by the Victorian Parliament determine what can be included in Treaty agreements.

Australia’s first formal truth-telling process, the Yoorrook Justice Commission, is investigating parts of our past that have been buried. It is shining a light on the injustices of today. Treaty will be informed by the Commission's findings and recommendations.

The First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria has been operating effectively for four years as the independent body representing First Peoples in Victoria’s Treaty process. Assembly members are democratically elected representatives from Traditional Owners in all areas of the state.

The Victorian Government and the First Peoples’ Assembly have agreed and established all the elements required under the Treaty Act, including a Treaty Authority, Self-Determination Fund, Treaty Negotiation Framework and a dispute resolution process.

The Victorian Government will negotiate a Statewide Treaty and local Traditional Owner Treaties.

Following its second general election, the First Peoples’ Assembly publicly declared its intention to negotiate a Statewide Treaty on behalf of First Peoples in Victoria, and has been registered on the Negotiations Database to do so.

Traditional Owner Treaty negotiations will be led by First Peoples' Treaty Delegations made up of all Traditional Owners who want to negotiate Treaty over a particular local area.

The process of negotiating Treaty will take time. We are committed to taking the time to negotiate agreements that deliver long term change.