The Treaty Authority has today declared the State of Victoria is ready to enter Statewide Treaty Negotiations. Statewide Treaty will be negotiated between the State of Victoria and the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria.
As the independent body responsible for facilitating and overseeing Treaty Negotiations, one of the Treaty Authority’s functions is to ensure parties are genuinely ready to negotiate. The Treaty Authority undertook a comprehensive assessment of the State’s readiness and found that the State has demonstrated it is prepared to come to the table for negotiations to begin.
The Treaty Authority’s assessment of the State’s readiness to negotiate was guided by its five Members’ cultural knowledge, and grounded in Aboriginal Lore, Law and Cultural Authority as well as Western law. The Treaty Authority:
- Undertook extensive engagement with the State of Victoria;
- Provided early guidance to the State on its submission; and
- Assessed the State’s Notification and all materials provided.
The Treaty Authority is the first body of its kind in Australia and is independent from the State of Victoria and the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria.
Jidah Clark, Djab Wurrung man and Chair of the Treaty Authority:
“The Treaty Authority has now given its seal of approval for Statewide Treaty negotiations to begin. Treaties will recast the relationship between First Peoples and the State, bringing us closer together. This is an important marker on the path towards unity.”
“As we begin overseeing negotiations for Statewide Treaty, we look forward to helping guide parties and ensuring a fair and just process for all Victorians. And we look ahead to working with Traditional Owners on Traditional Owners Treaties.”
Dr Petah Atkinson, a Yorta Yorta woman and Treaty Authority Member:
“This is an historic moment for all Victorians. Treaty will be a critical way to reset relationships between First Peoples and non-Aboriginal people. Treaty is 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 and Law.”
“The establishment of the Treaty Authority is built on the many years of work by Traditional Owners, Elders, leaders and allies, including the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria. We carry the wisdom of our ancestors, the hopes of our people and the aspirations of all Victorians for a more united state, for truth and for a sharing of power that will chart a path for all.”
Treaty negotiations will be conducted according to standards that have been agreed by the State and the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria.
The Treaty Authority’s role is to oversee negotiations, ensuring integrity in the process, and to uphold Aboriginal Lore, Law and Cultural Authority. The Treaty Authority will also play a role in finding common ground between parties if disputes arise.
The Treaty Authority will continue to share information about the progress of the Statewide Treaty as negotiations progress.