Generations of Aboriginal resistance and activism has secured this country’s first Treaty and now we need the next round of Community representatives to step up and make sure Treaty improves our peoples’ lives.
When I first began the role as elected Co-chair of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria alongside Rueben Berg, we carried a vision that many said was impossible.
Today, that vision stands as a reality with the first Treaty in Australia signed.
With the Statewide Treaty negotiated and built on a strong foundation and mandate, we can take pride in this nation-leading work to date.
After serving on the inaugural and the second Assembly, I will not recontest the 2026 Treaty Elections.
With less than four months remaining of my role, I will leave proud of what we have built together as the Assembly and grateful for the trust our people placed in me.
Through Treaty, we can use our local knowledge to come up with and deliver solutions for our Communities. This means we can get better outcomes because Aboriginal people know what does and doesn’t work for us.
Treaties are about practical change that improves the livelihoods of our people and strengthens the health, well-being and prosperity of our Communities.
The Assembly now enters a new and historic chapter in the journey of First Peoples and the broader Victorian Community.
Treaty is now part of Victoria’s story. But more importantly, it is part of our future.
The Assembly is our meeting place. Assembly Members representing Nations and Communities from all across the state come together to listen to each other, speak on behalf of their Communities and find common ground and a way forward.
Treaty has shifted the ground and reflects a State mature enough to confront its history, courageous enough to take action to reshape its future, and committed to walking a new path grounded in respect, strong relationships, Treaties, truth-telling and self-determination for First Peoples.
Serving as Co-chair of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria has been one of the greatest honours of my life and advancing the first Treaty in Australia is a responsibility I will always carry with deep humility and pride.
Treaty is our north star, and it will continue to guide us toward a more just and truthful future for generations to come.
Our work has not only shaped Victoria’s path to Treaty, but it has also set a benchmark for Indigenous-led Treaty-making nationally and internationally. I have been incredibly fortunate to meet and share dialogue with First Nations leaders from right across the globe in this work; from Leaders in British Columbia in Canada, to Delegations of Māori groups visiting from Aotearoa, to connecting with those in East Timor, and respected Native Americans from the United States of America.
The Assembly as leaders and experts in the modern Treaty era are architects of contemporary governance and new relationships, holding the legal, cultural, and political expertise to negotiate Treaties that are sophisticated, future-focused and grounded in ancient lore.
In a time of deep political division, the Assembly is a principled democratic practice from which mainstream politics can learn.
One of the great strengths I have witnessed over the past 6 years is the diversity of the Assembly. I encourage First Peoples, from all walks of life, from every region of Victoria to get involved in Treaty when and where you can. During the 2026 Treaty Elections, there will be events and information sessions held in a town or region near you.
When so many of our Elders were denied the right to vote and had decisions about their lives made on their behalf, we all have a responsibility to get involved to make sure Treaty delivers for First Peoples.
If you are a Traditional Owner of Country in Victoria, consider nominating for the 2026 Treaty Elections to represent your Community on the Assembly. The role and responsibility of the future Elected Members of the Assembly is critically important, as the powers and functions of Gellung Warl are expanded. We need our very best Community representatives – Elders and young people, women and men, to create a strong start for the Treaty implementation. The position of an Elected Member is significant, but you will be supported by your people and surrounded by your peers.
It takes each one of us to build and to sustain the Treaty movement. And if you are eligible to vote, do your part for Community and enrol now at treatyelections.org. Your vote matters.
Lastly, thank you to my family and Community for carrying me through the weight of this work and for your patience, big love, and the sacrifices made so I could give my all to Treaty. Nothing I have done was done alone, and I am forever grateful.
Ngarra Murray
Proud Wamba Wamba, Yorta Yorta, Dhudhuroa and Dja Dja Wurrung woman
Co-chair of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria
