Explained: What is Treaty for Victoria?

Victoria has made history. For the first time in Australia, Treaty is now law. 

Treaty recognises the sovereignty of First Peoples and creates a framework for self-determination, shared decision-making, and caring for Country together.

Here’s what Treaty means, why it matters, and how we can all play a part.

Contents

• What is Treaty?
• Why do we need a Treaty?
• Who’s involved in Treaty for Victoria?
• What will Treaty deliver?
• Why is Treaty important for the environment?
• What’s the timeframe for Treaty?
• What will Treaty mean for non-Aboriginal Victorians?
• How is Treaty different to the Voice?
• Do I need to vote on Treaty?
• What can I do to support Treaty?

 

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A Treaty is a formal, legally binding agreement made between First Peoples and the State.

In Victoria, the Statewide Treaty was negotiated between the Victorian Government and the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria – a democratically elected body of Traditional Owners.

Treaty recognises the deep and ongoing connection that First Peoples have to Country, culture and community, acknowledges the harms caused by colonisation, and creates a framework for self-determination, shared decision-making, and practical outcomes for communities across the state.

The Treaty legislation passed both Houses of the Victorian Parliament in late October 2025, received Royal Assent on 13 November 2025, and the Treaty formally commenced with a ceremonial exchange in December 2025.

We need Treaty to recognise the truth of our shared history – and to build a better future. 

For over 60,000 years, First Peoples have cared for the land we now call Australia. But colonisation disrupted this deep relationship, leading to dispossession, violence and injustice, none of which had been formally addressed through a binding agreement – until now. 

Treaty is a way to: 

• Acknowledge past and ongoing injustices 

• Recognise First Peoples’ sovereignty and rights 

• Rebalance power so First Nations communities have the right to determine their own futures, and to make decisions about their people, lands and waters 

• Support self-determination and cultural strength 

• Heal relationships and create a more just, respectful Victoria for everyone 

For those of us with a deep connection to nature, Treaty also matters because it honours First Peoples’ leadership in caring for land, water and wildlife. It opens the door to more collaborative, grounded and lasting approaches to protecting nature – rooted in thousands of years of knowledge and practice. 

Treaty isn’t just about the past – it’s about shaping a future where all people and nature can thrive together. 

Treaty has been built through negotiation – where parties come together as equals to determine shared responsibilities, rights, and decision-making processes. Treaty in Victoria was negotiated between the State Government and the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria. 

The State
The Victorian Government wis represented by senior officials from the Department of Premier and Cabinet. 

The First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria
The Assembly is a democratic and independent body made up of Victorian Traditional Owners, representing Victorian Traditional Owners as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living in Victoria. Members are elected by their communities to speak up for their rights, ideas and priorities on the journey to Treaty. 

The Treaty Authority
An independent body called the Treaty Authority oversaw the negotiations. It helped both sides find common ground in a respectful, inclusive and healing way – following rules set out in the Treaty Negotiation Framework. 

Traditional Owner Treaties
Alongside the Statewide Treaty, individual Traditional Owner groups will also have the opportunity to negotiate Treaties specific to their Country. These local Treaties will ensure community knowledge and priorities are central to decision-making in each area.

The first Statewide Treaty ensures First Nations communities are properly represented and can use local knowledge to improve the lives of Indigenous people across the state. Specifically, Treaty ensures:  

• Decisions about First Peoples are made by First Peoples: The First Peoples’ Assembly will have meaningful decision-making powers, independent from Government, that will enable First Peoples to deliver practical solutions at a local level for generations to come. 

• First Peoples’ cultures and languages will be respected: Treaty will honour First Peoples’ ancestors, recognise First Peoples’ continuing connection to Country, and uphold their cultures, Lore and Law. 

• Power to hold the government to its promises and make sure they are delivering for First Peoples. 

• Truth and Treaty go hand in hand: All Victorians will learn the truth about the past, with the truth-telling work of the Yoorrook Justice Commission taught through our education system. 

• Building knowledge, skills and leadership: First Peoples have a long history of leaders and trailblazers. They will continue to build their knowledge, leadership and skills to strengthen Self-determination. 

When First Nations have a say over what happens on their Country, we all benefit.    

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have cared for Country for thousands of generations. Today’s environmental problems are closely linked to the disruption of this sustainable land management developed over more than 60,000 years. Restoring those practices and putting First Peoples back in charge of their land and waters can heal people and nature together, address ongoing injustices, and put Victoria on the path to a better, fairer society. 

There are many positive examples where First Nations peoples are back in charge of land and sea management. Statewide Treaty – and subsequent local Treaties with individual Traditional Owner groups – gives First Peoples greater power to protect Country, revive cultural knowledge, and lead the way in caring for land, water and wildlife for generations to come. 

Treaty is a long-term process. First Peoples have been calling for Treaty for decades. Since 2016, the Victorian Government and the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria have been working together to make it a reality. 

Key milestones: 

• 1979: Call for Treaty. The first call for Treaty from the National Aboriginal Conference.
• 2016: Victorian First Peoples call for Treaty. The Victorian Government commits to progressing Treaty.
• 2018: Community consultations and a Treaty Statewide Gathering and Elders Forum is held by VTAC to design the Aboriginal Representative Body.
• 2019: The Treaty Act: Advancing the Treaty Process with Aboriginal Victorians Act 2018 (Treaty Act) is enacted by the Victorian Parliament.
• 2019: The Assembly is Established. The First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria holds its first elections in October 2019 and the inaugural members are elected.
• 2019–2022: Frameworks and independent Treaty Authority established.
• March 2021: The Yoorrook Justice Commission is established.
• 2001-2005: Yoorrook – the first formal truth-telling inquiry led by First Peoples – lays the foundation for Treaty by documenting injustices and making recommendations.
• May 2023: Second Assembly Elections. Statewide mob elections for the second term of Assembly Members.
• November 2024: The Assembly approves its Negotiation Brief and publishes a community explainer.
• November 2024: Statewide Treaty negotiations officially begin.
• October 2025: Treaty legislation passes both Houses of the Victorian Parliament.
• November 2025: Assembly Members, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan and Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner met at Government House to sign Australia’s first Treaty with First Peoples and give Royal Assent to the Treaty legislation.
• December 2025: Treaty formally commenced with a ceremonial exhange.
• Beyond 2025: Traditional Owner groups will continue negotiating local Treaties specific to their Country. 

Treaty is a chance for all Victorians to walk a new path together – one based on truth, justice and respect. 

For non-Aboriginal people, Treaty is about acknowledging the past, listening deeply, and helping build a more honest and fair relationship with the First Peoples of this land. 

Treaty will strengthen Victoria by: 

• Recognising First Peoples’ rights and long-standing connection to Country 

• Sharing decision-making, for example when it comes to caring for land and water 

• Creating a more inclusive future, where everyone’s history and culture is valued 

It’s also a chance for healing – of people, communities and Country. When First Peoples have the power to speak for and care for their lands, everyone benefits. 

Treaty is for all of us, and it’s a step toward a more just and united Victoria. 

The Voice and Treaty are both about justice and self-determination for First Peoples – but they are different in purpose and approach. 

The Voice (proposed at the national level) was about creating a constitutionally-recognised body to advise the Federal Government on laws and policies affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It aimed to ensure First Peoples had a say on decisions that impact them. 

Treaty, on the other hand, is about formal agreements between governments and First Peoples. In Victoria, Treaty was between the State Government and the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria. It’s a legal process that recognises sovereignty, supports self-determination, and addresses the injustices of colonisation. 

Treaty can include practical outcomes – like shared decision-making on land, water and cultural heritage, as well as support for community-led services and governance. 

There are many ways to show your support:

• Sign up for Team Treaty to stay connected and informed.

• Follow and share First Peoples’ Assembly updates on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube.

• Donate to the Treaty Fighting Fund – and help keep the Assembly strong and independent.

• Donate to the Self-Determination Fund to support Traditional Owner Treaty negotiations and First Nations prosperity and equality for the long term.

• Grab some merch to show your support and spark conversations.

• Attend a Treaty event – there are gatherings across Victoria for both mob and allies.

• If you’re mob, the most important thing you can do is enrol with the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria.

• Part of a non-Aboriginal organisation, union, or community group? Join the Friends of Treaty and formalise your support.

• Want to host something in your area? Reach out to ciarao@firstpeoplesvic.org to discuss how you or your organisation can get involved.