Victoria’s historic Statewide Treaty – the first Treaty with First Peoples in Australian history – has formally commenced.
The First Statewide Treaty, negotiated between the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria and the State of Victoria, was signed in November 2025 following nearly a year of formal negotiations.
The Statewide Treaty strengthens First Peoples’ right to self-determination, representation and decision-making. It aims to improve the lives of First Peoples across Victoria and strengthen its democratic and cultural fabric.
The Treaty Authority, the independent body that oversees and facilitates Treaty-making in Victoria, ensured negotiations were carried out in accordance with the Treaty Negotiation Framework – the rules that guide Treaty-making. The Treaty Authority is mandated to uphold Aboriginal Lore, Law and Cultural Authority in its work.
According to the Treaty Negotiation Framework, the Treaty Authority’s role is to ensure a fair and equitable negotiating environment. For Statewide Treaty, the Treaty Authority met with both Parties regularly regarding compliance with their agreed Negotiation Protocols.
The Treaty Authority held a total of 19 dedicated oversight meetings. Meetings focused on how the Parties were progressing against agreed timeframes and adherence to the Negotiations Protocols. Through these meetings, the Parties kept the Treaty Authority abreast of the progress of negotiations.
The Treaty Authority also supported the Parties by facilitating additional meetings that were focused on ensuring the partnership between Parties remained strong and productive.
The Statewide Treaty Bill, introduced as an outcome of negotiations and which gives effect to the Statewide Treaty, received Royal Assent in November. Today a cultural ceremony marked Cultural Assent and commencement of the Treaty.
The Treaty Authority maintains a public register of all formalised Treaties and Interim Agreements. The Treaty commences operation on the date of publication of the Treaty.
Jidah Clark, Djab Wurrung man and Chair of the Treaty Authority, said:
“We acknowledge the hard work of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria and the State of Victoria. For the first time in Australia’s history there is a Treaty with First Peoples. A new chapter has been written that recasts the relationship between First Peoples and the State.”
“The Treaty has been signed by representatives of both Parties and is now given Cultural Assent through today’s ceremony. Ceremony is part of Aboriginal Law that has been practiced since time immemorial. Treaty is an invitation to all Victorians to share in Aboriginal Culture and now is the time for all Victorians to celebrate together.”
Dr Petah Atkinson, Yorta Yorta woman and Treaty Authority Member, said:
“This is a moment of profound significance and a testament to the strength and resilience of First Peoples. The Statewide Treaty is a powerful step toward healing, truth and a shared future for all Victorians. This agreement lays the foundation for a relationship built on respect, trust and integrity, and acknowledges the rights and strength of First Peoples.”
“It’s important that the Treaty is initiated through ceremonial acts by both Parties. This represents a new era in the relationship between First Peoples and the State, one where they stand side by side as equals. The Treaty Authority congratulates both Parties to our first Treaty and we look forward to celebrating with the rest of Victoria.”
Media contact
For interviews or more information, contact Megan Giles on 0472 508 001 or [email protected]