Treaty for Victoria

Victorian Traditional Owners maintain that their sovereignty has never been ceded and have called for a Treaty process that delivers self-determination for Victoria’s First Peoples.

What is Treaty in Victoria?

Treaty is the embodiment of Aboriginal self-determination. Treaty provides a path to negotiate the transfer of power and resources for First Peoples to control matters which impact their lives. Treaty is also an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the unique status, rights, cultures and histories of First Peoples.

In negotiating Treaty with First Peoples, the Victorian Government is acknowledging that prior to the formation of the State of Victoria, First Peoples communities were here—practicing their own law, lore, and cultural authority.

A Treaty is an agreement between states, nations or governments. This can include an agreement between First Peoples and governments. In Victoria, there will be one overarching Statewide Treaty and multiple local Treaties with individual Traditional Owner groups, covering matters as diverse as political representation, land and water, and economic development.

Treaty is an opportunity to reframe how all Victorians view ourselves, our culture, and our State. Victoria’s Treaties will be shaped by the social and political context of our state, and the aspirations of Victoria’s First Peoples. Treaty will be based on an honest reflection of our history—one that asks for respect and courage, to listen and respond to the voices of those who have cared for this Country for thousands of years.

Treaty will deliver long-term, sustainable solutions because First Peoples will be in the driver’s seat, making decisions about the matters that impact their lives.

Uluru Statement from the Heart

Victoria is the first Australian jurisdiction to commit and action all elements of the Uluru Statement from the Heart—Voice, Treaty and Truth.

In 2017, over 250 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander delegates gathered in Mutitjulu near Uluru and put their signatures to the historic Uluru Statement from the Heart—addressed to the Australian people as an invitation to work together to create a better future.

The Victoria Government supports commitment and action from all levels of government to implement the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

The Treaty journey to date

Completed: Laws to protect Treaty

The Advancing the Treaty Process with Aboriginal Victorians Act 2018(opens in a new window) (Treaty Act) was enacted as Australia’s first ever Treaty legislation.

Completed: An independent and democratically elected representative body for First Peoples

A Statewide election established the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria to represent the voice of First Peoples in the Treaty process.

Completed: Truth-telling

The Yoorrook Justice Commission is established to inquire into historic and contemporary injustices experienced by First Peoples across all areas of social, political and economic life, and the relationship between historical injustices and ongoing systemic injustices experienced today.

Completed: An independent 'Treaty Umpire'

The Treaty Authority is independent from Government and will consist of five to seven members who will oversee and facilitate Treaty negotiations. The Treaty Authority and Other Treaty Elements Act 2022, supports the establishment and ongoing operation of the Treaty Authority.

Completed: Agreed rules and process for Treaty-making

The Treaty Negotiation Framework sets out the process and rules for negotiating a Statewide Treaty and Traditional Owner Treaties between the State and First Peoples. The Framework establishes a Treaty process in Victoria that is inclusive and open to all First Peoples, as well as ensuring the protection of Traditional Owners with existing legal rights, such as Native Title.

Completed: Independent funding for Treaty negotiations

The Self-determination Fund will provide First Peoples, including Traditional Owners, with a financial resource, independent from the State, to achieve 'equal standing' in Treaty negotiations. The Self-determination Fund will also build capacity, wealth and prosperity for First Peoples.

Next step: Treaty negotiations commence

With these elements in place, Treaty negotiations can now commence. The Treaty Authority, once operational, will support First Peoples groups to register for Treaty negotiations and will invite the State to join Treaty negotiations. The Victorian Government anticipates formal Treaty negotiations will commence later in 2024.