The State of Victoria and the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria have reached agreement on the State’s, and the country’s first Treaty, as the negotiated Statewide Treaty was today released.
The Treaty marks a new chapter in the relationship between First Peoples and the State of Victoria.
The negotiated Statewide Treaty lays the foundations for long-term reform, including putting decision-making in the hands of First Peoples to deliver practical solutions, establishing ongoing accountability and truth telling mechanisms, and the establishment of a First Peoples Institute to develop the leadership capacities of Aboriginal people.
Negotiations for the Statewide Treaty began in November 2024 between the State of Victoria and the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, as the representative body for First Peoples in Victoria.
The Treaty Authority’s function is to oversee and facilitate Treaty negotiations.
Statewide Treaty is one of two types of Treaties that can be negotiated in Victoria. Traditional Owner Treaties will also be negotiated by Traditional Owner groups and the State. Traditional Owner Treaties are likely to address priorities and aspirations over Traditional Owners’ Country.
Dr Petah Atkinson, Yorta Yorta woman and Treaty Authority Member:
“Today heralds an historic milestone in the long journey to Treaty. For the first time, First Peoples have sat down with government to conduct negotiations and have arrived at an agreement. This marks a new era of Treaty relationships between the State and First Peoples in Victoria.”
Jidah Clark, Djab Wurrung man and Treaty Authority Chair:
“The Treaty Authority has been overseeing negotiations for the past 9 months. Agreement on this first Treaty is a pivotal moment in this country’s history. The relationship between First Peoples and the State is characterised by a long history of injustice and broken promises. As we prepare to witness the country’s first ever Treaty be realised, we hope all Victorians will find pride in a renewed and fairer relationship between First Peoples and the State.”
“Treaties are living documents. They provide a foundation that can be built upon as our societies learn, grow and change. Future generations will inherit a fairer, more just Victoria.”
Read the Negotiated Statewide Treaty here.
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For more information, contact Michelle Bennett on 0419 100 519 or [email protected]
