2016-2020
Commitment to Treaty and early consultations
2016
Community consultations were held across Victoria to seek the community’s guidance on how an Aboriginal representative body should operate.
The Victorian Treaty Advancement Commission
2018
The Victorian Treaty Advancement Commission began its operations in 2018, with Dr Jill Gallagher appointed as its Commissioner. The Commission led the delivery of recommendations on the design of the Aboriginal Representative Body.
First Treaty legislation in Australia
August 2018
The Treaty Act is Australia’s first ever Treaty law. It passed both houses of the Victorian Parliament in June 2018.
The Treaty Act sets out a roadmap towards Treaty negotiations. The Treaty Act reflects the intent to work in genuine partnership with Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Victorians to give meaningful and practical effect to the right of self-determination.
Establishing the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria
2019
The First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria's first general member elections took place from September to October 2019. Geraldine Atkinson and Marcus Stewart were the inaugural Co-Chairs of the Assembly.
On 9 December 2019, the former Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Gavin Jennings, declared the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria to be the Aboriginal Representative Body, as required by the Treaty Act.
The First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria comprises 34 members to reflect the diversity of Aboriginal voices across Victoria. The First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria's structure includes 12 reserved member seats representing Traditional Owner groups and 22 general member seats.
For more information, visit the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria's website.(opens in a new window)
2021-2025
Yoorrook Justice Commissioners appointed
May 2021
Australia’s first Truth-telling Commission, the Yoorrook Justice Commission was established. ‘Yoorrook’ is the Wemba Wemba / Wamba Wamba word for ‘truth’. By establishing the Commission, the State committed to formally reckoning with past and ongoing injustices and laying the foundations for healing with all First Peoples in Victoria.
Establishing the Treaty Authority
June 2022
The Treaty Authority acts as the ‘independent umpire’ for the Treaty process.
The Treaty Authority is a nation-leading institution, drawing on international best practice but adapted for Victoria to facilitate fair, effective and efficient dealings between Negotiating Parties.
Establishment of the Treaty Negotiation Framework
October 2022
The Treaty Negotiation Framework contains the ‘rules’ for Treaty in Victoria. 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 was agreed between the State and the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria on 20 October 2022.
Ceremonial opening of Statewide Treaty Negotiations
November 2024
The Victorian Government and First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria made history with the opening of negotiations for Australia’s first Treaty. Dancing, speeches, ceremony and an exchange of gifts marked the commencement of Statewide Treaty negotiations at an event in Darebin Parklands in Melbourne’s northeast on Thursday 21 November 2024.
Find out more about Victoria's Treaty
Truth-telling
Treaty starts with telling the truth.
Foundations for Treaty
We have passed legislation twice, developed policies, and made commitments across every level of government.