The laws
In Victoria, we have been on the Truth and Treaty path for nearly a decade. We have passed legislation twice, developed policies, and made commitments across every level of government.
We have taken the time required to lay strong foundations for Treaty.
The Treaty Act and the Treaty Authority Act underpin how Treaty is negotiated.
The rulebook
The Treaty Negotiation Framework is the rulebook for Treaty under the Treaty Act. It specifies who can enter Treaty negotiations, how negotiations are conducted, and what subject matter Treaty negotiations in Victoria can cover.
The Treaty Negotiation Framework guides us in all future Treaty-making as required under Victoria’s Treaty law.
The Treaty Negotiation Framework guarantees an open and inclusive Treaty process, where all Traditional Owner groups in Victoria will have the opportunity to register for Treaty negotiations.
Treaty Negotiation Framework
The Treaty Negotiation Framework which guides us in all future Treaty-making as required under Victoria’s Treaty law.
Treaty Negotiation Framework (PDF)
Download a PDF of the Treaty Negotiation Framework which guides us in all future Treaty-making as required under Victoria’s Treaty law.
The representative body
The First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria is the body representing First Peoples in Statewide Treaty negotiations.
The Assembly is made up of 34 Traditional Owners of Victoria to ensure it represents the diversity of the state. Every region of the state has representation.
The Assembly’s structure includes 12 reserved member seats representing each Traditional Owner group and 22 general member seats.
The first general member elections took place from September to October 2019, and second general member elections were held from May to June in 2023.
The Assembly also has an Elders’ Voice, recognising the cultural strength and guidance of Elders. It has a Youth Voice, acknowledging the need to listen to and engage the next generation.
The Assembly has worked with the Victorian Government to establish the elements necessary to support Treaty negotiations.
Read more on the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria website.
The umpire
The Treaty Authority is the independent umpire overseeing the Treaty negotiation process. The Treaty Authority ensures the process is fair for negotiating parties, according to the rules set out in the Treaty Negotiation Framework.
The Treaty Authority is a nation-leading institution, drawing on international best practice of institutions overseeing Treaty negotiations, but adapted for Victoria.
The Treaty Authority Act was enacted by the Victorian Parliament on 23 August 2022, following a historic agreement reached between the Government and the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria.
The Victorian Government and the First Peoples’ Assembly announced the appointment of the five inaugural members of the Authority on 6 December 2023.
The inaugural Treaty Authority members are Dr Petah Atkinson, Thelma Austin, Jidah Clark, Andrew Jackomos, and Duean White
All five Treaty Authority members are First Peoples.
Visit the Treaty Authority website to learn more about their work.
The Treaty Negotiations Database
The Treaty Authority launched the Treaty Negotiations Database on 1 July 2024.
The Database is the official register of all parties engaging in Treaty negotiations. It holds information on which parties are involved in Treaty negotiations, as well as what is being negotiated and the status of negotiations.
The Treaty Authority administers the database and invites negotiating parties including the Victorian Government to register on the database. Parties must meet minimum standards to be entered onto the Database.
Self-Determination Fund
The First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria and the Victorian Government jointly established the Self-Determination Fund.
The Self-Determination Fund provides an independent financial resource to support First Peoples to achieve equal standing with the State in Treaty negotiations.
Traditional Owner Groups can apply for Phase 1 funding to support their group to come together and form their aspirations for Treaty.
Phase 2 provides additional funding to eligible Traditional Owner Groups to undertake a range of activities to meet the Minimum Standards under the Treaty Negotiation Framework and prepare to enter negotiations for a Traditional Owner Treaty.
Find out more about Victoria's Treaty
Truth-telling
Treaty starts with telling the truth.
Treaty timeline
Victoria has been on the path to Treaty for nearly ten years.