The path for Treaty negotiations between First Peoples and the State of Victoria has been laid with the establishment today of the Treaty Negotiations Database by the Treaty Authority. The Treaty Negotiations Database is where public and private information will be held about Treaty negotiations, including who is negotiating a Treaty, which land and waters it will cover, and the status of negotiations.
For generations, First Peoples have called for Treaty to acknowledge the unique status of First Peoples and to support their communities to thrive. Treaty is a way to reset relationships between First Peoples and non-Aboriginal people. Treaty will promote First Peoples’ self-determination and benefit all Victorians. There has not yet been a Treaty negotiated between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with any state, territory or the Commonwealth in Australia.
The Treaty Authority is the independent body that is responsible for facilitating and overseeing Treaty negotiations between First Peoples and the State of Victoria. Led by respected Aboriginal people and grounded in Aboriginal lore, law and cultural authority as well as Western law, the Treaty Authority is the first body of its kind in Australia and is independent from the State of Victoria, the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria and other First Peoples’ groups.
The Treaty Negotiations Database will support First Peoples and the State of Victoria to act in accordance with the guiding principles of transparency and accountability as they work together towards Treaty. The Treaty Authority will help Traditional Owners to get ready for Treaty negotiations and bring communities together to build strong relationships based on self-determination.
Whilst other states have embarked on Treaty processes, Victoria is the most advanced. The Treaty Authority is now welcoming First Peoples and all people of the State to walk together on this historic journey.
Jidah Clark, Djab Wurrung man:
“Today we honour the work of our ancestors who have, for generations, called for a fair and just relationship to be established with the State. Treaty will promote the right for Aboriginal communities to self-determine their own affairs.”
“Our work is not just about facilitating treaties, it is about building a better, just and reconciled community for all Victorians to celebrate and be proud of. A future Treaty between First Peoples and the State will be a gift. A gift that says to the State we welcome you to share this beautiful land that First Peoples have watched over for millennia.”
Dr Petah Atkinson, Yorta Yorta woman:
“Treaty is important to our people, its more than symbolic. It will provide a legal structure that positions Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Victorians as rightful stakeholders, as determined by our Lore.”
“Treaty is an opportunity for our State to progress from the rhetoric of reconciliation and be drivers of systemic change. Importantly, Treaty will benefit all Victorians.”
Thelma Austin, Djab Wurrung, Kirrae Wurrung, Gunditjmara woman:
“Our work honours our ancestors; it is also about being accountable to all Victorians today, and our future generations of tomorrow.”
“We now have the opportunity to make Victoria a better place, a just place not just for First Peoples but for all Victorians.
“Our work will facilitate the journey towards justice, self -determination and empowerment for First Peoples, and build a solid foundation for reconciliation for all Victorians.”
Andrew Jackomos, Yorta Yorta man:
“All Victorians can be proud of more than 65,000 years of Aboriginal Lore, Law and Cultural Authority on lands never ceded. The work of the Treaty Authority in facilitating treaties will honour these facts not just for our ancestors and today, but for all future generations.
“We will perform our responsibilities with respect, transparency and honesty and we trust that all who join us in Treaty negotiations will do the same.”
Duean White, Biripi woman (NSW):
“Treaty is about acknowledging the past and building a brighter, fairer Victoria. We hope to support Traditional Owners and the State to reach equitable and workable outcomes.”
“The task ahead is monumental. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to change our peoples’ futures. I am proud to be living in a state that has the courage to do the right thing – that’s what reconciliation is all about.”
Background
The Treaty Authority was established by agreement between the State of Victoria and the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria. The Treaty Authority can facilitate two types of Treaties with the State. A Statewide Treaty will be an agreement between the State and all First Peoples living in Victoria to change the systems and structures of government and ensure that First Peoples achieve greater control over First Peoples’ lives. Traditional Owner Treaties recognise that Victoria is home to many different Nations, each with its own traditions, language and stories.