Welcome to the Treaty Authority’s newsletter. Published quarterly, this newsletter shares updates on the Treaty Authority’s work and news relevant to Traditional Owners and all Victorians.
The Treaty Authority is the independent body overseeing and facilitating treaty-making in Victoria. We are committed to supporting a fair, inclusive and transparent process for all Victorians.
Thank you for joining us on this journey.
Assembly Elections
Gellung Warl, a new body that includes the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, has now been established following the recent Assembly elections. The Office of the Transitional Election, an independent office within the Treaty Authority, conducted the election and administered the electoral roll.
We congratulate all candidates who ran in the elections to represent their communities. We also congratulate the newly elected Co-Chairs of the Assembly, Meriki Onus and Djaran Murray-Jackson, and look forward to working alongside Gellung Warl to progress treaty in Victoria.
Video Hub
Last month, we launched the Treaty Authority’s Video Hub on our website. Through the hub, you can find our new Treaty Explainer Series, as well as our archive of speeches and events. Stay tuned as we continue to add new videos to the site.
National Sorry Day
Treaty Authority Members and staff were honoured to attend a National Sorry Day event in Melbourne on beautiful Wurundjeri Country.
We were deeply moved to hear some of the stories of children removed from their families during the Stolen Generations.
The Statewide Treaty represents a significant and momentous step forward for the self-determination of First Peoples in Victoria.
Thank you to Amos Roach for sharing his story through song, and to the whole community for showing up to such an important commemoration.
What is Finding Common Ground?
The Treaty Authority has a role to resolve disputes related to treaty negotiations. ‘Finding Common Ground’ is an approach to dispute resolution developed by the Treaty Authority.
It prioritises culturally responsive ways of dispute resolution through yarning and facilitated discussions. Finding Common Ground processes are confidential, trauma informed and aim to prioritise culture, build trust and support healing with Traditional Owners on the path to Treaty.
We work with Traditional Owners and other parties to support dispute resolution. Treaty Authority Members lead these processes, ensuring Aboriginal Lore, Law and Cultural Authority are respected and upheld.
You can read more and lodge a dispute online here
Public Notifications Update
Throughout the treaty process, the Treaty Authority makes public notifications to ensure First Peoples and the public are aware of important milestones and events.
Between March and June 2026, the Treaty Authority gave notice, under clause 9.4(a) of the Treaty Negotiation Framework, that it entered the following Traditional Owner Groups onto the Negotiations Register for the purposes of Traditional Owner treaty negotiations with the State of Victoria:
- Taungurung Land and Waters Council
- Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation
Between March and June 2026, the Treaty Authority also gave notice under clause 10.2(d)(ii) of the Treaty Negotiation Framework that the following Groups intend to form a Delegation for a treaty:
- Tati Tati Traditional Owners
- Barengi Gadjin Land Council Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC (BGLC), acting on behalf of the Wotjobaluk Nations
There are now six Traditional Owner Groups on the Negotiations Register, preparing for treaty negotiations. Five of these groups have also submitted their intention to form a Delegation to negotiate a treaty.
Check out the map below. We look forward to supporting more Traditional Owners on their treaty journey.
Meet the Members:
Thelma Austin
The Treaty Authority is led by five Members, who are all First Peoples, and follow strict Standards of Conduct when they carry out their role. Today, we’re introducing Treaty Authority Member, Thelma Austin.
I am a Gunditjmara woman with bloodline connections throughout Gunditjmara country particularly Framlingham. I live, work and care for my family on Wurundjeri country. I have worked in community since I was 14 years old (PT work at the Fitzroy Stars Gym after school every weeknight) I have worked, volunteered and been on many boards across community, government, not-for-profit and the private sector.
I have a responsibility to live by my cultural integrity in everything I do. I am also an experienced mediator, facilitator and trainer and I was manager of the Victorian Aboriginal Dispute Resolution program at the Department of Justice. I have always loved many art forms and dabble a little as an artist when I have time.
Fun fact, I grew up obsessed with Michael Jackson and I now get to relive it all over again with his movie and brilliance being shared once again.
Treaty Factsheets
Our Research team has produced four new Factsheet papers to support treaty negotiations and educate the Victorian community about treaty-making. The Factsheets include:
- Treaty and the Law
- Treaty and Democracy
- Benefits and limitations of overseas Indigenous-State treaties
- Modern Indigenous-State treaties
Get in touch
Are you a Traditional Owner interested in finding out more about treaty? Email [email protected] or call 1300 133 033.
The Treaty Authority acknowledges First Peoples as sovereign peoples throughout the lands and waters now known as Victoria and across Australia. We pay deep respect to all Traditional Owners, their lands, waters and skies, their Elders and ancestors, languages, family and clan groups, and their Law, Lore, customs and traditions.
