Journey to Treaty
Here’s short recap of what’s happened on the journey so far…
By us, for us
The First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria is the democratically elected body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on the journey to Treaty in Victoria.
The Assembly held elections in 2019 and 2023 and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Victoria have chosen 33 Traditional Owners to represent their communities.
Community sets the agenda
Created a Self-Determination Fund to help Traditional Owners prepare for their Treaty negotiations at a local level.
Established the Treaty Authority to serve as the independent umpire to oversee the negotiation process and help navigate any related disputes.
Called for the creation of the Yoorrook Truth-telling process to examine the impact of colonisation and help craft practical solutions to improve the lives of our people.
Reached agreement that there will be both Statewide Treaties negotiated by the Assembly to drive ‘big picture’ reform and Traditional Owner Treaties that will reflect the priorities and aspirations of the relevant local areas.
What’s next?
- It’s Here: We have negotiated Australia’s first Treaty between First Peoples in Victoria and the Victorian Government
- A new relationship: Treaty resets the relationship between First Peoples and the State because doing things differently is the only way to achieve real change.
- Decision making in the hands of those who know best: Treaty recognises that Aboriginal people are the experts on our own communities, culture and Country. Treaty will mean we can use our local knowledge to come up with and deliver practical solutions to improve health, education and housing outcomes for our communities.
- Moving forward together: Treaty is our opportunity to acknowledge our past, heal and move forward together to shape better futures for First Peoples.