Treaty Process in Victoria

The Victorian Government committed to Treaty negotiations with Aboriginal people and communities in 2016.

In 2017, the Aboriginal Community Assembly, made up of 31 Aboriginal community members, met to consider key issues around the design of the Aboriginal Representative Body. Following consultation and engagement with community, the Aboriginal Treaty Working Group presented its final report on the design of the Aboriginal Representative Body in March 2018. This body was named the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria in February 2019.

The First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria is the voice for Aboriginal communities in the Treaty negotiation process. The Assembly is made up of proud Aboriginal leaders. All are Victorian Traditional Owners, elected and appointed by their communities.

Enshrined in law, the Assembly is working on three important steps to lead to Treaty negotiations:

  • The Treaty Authority – an independent umpire through the Treaty process.

  • The Treaty Negotiating Framework – which will set how treaties can be agreed in Victoria.

  • A Self-Determination Fund – so Aboriginal communities can be on a level playing field with government.

For more information about the Treaty process in Victoria, visit the Victorian Treaty Advancement Commission.

The ATNS team acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, culture and Ancestors.

We pay our respects to Elders past and present.