Here’s what Treaty means, why it matters, and how we can all play a part.
Victoria is making history. For the first time in Australia, First Peoples and a state government are negotiating a Treaty – a vital step toward truth-telling, justice and a more respectful future.
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.
A Treaty is a formal, legally binding agreement made between First Peoples and the State.
In Victoria, Treaty is a crucial step towards righting the wrongs of the past. It recognises the deep and ongoing connection First Peoples have to Country, and acknowledges the harm caused by colonisation, including the theft of land, water, culture, and rights.
The Statewide Treaty for Victoria will be the first official Treaty of this kind in Australia. It offers a historic opportunity to create a more honest and fair relationship between the Victorian Government and the First Peoples of this land – one built on recognition, respect, and a commitment to shared decision-making.
For Environment Victoria, supporting Treaty means backing a future where First Peoples determine their own futures, make decisions about their people, lands and waters, and where their deep cultural knowledge and leadership are at the heart of protecting Country.
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 have been formally addressed through a binding agreement.
Treaty is a way to:
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 is built through negotiation – where parties come together as equals to determine shared responsibilities, rights, and decision-making processes. Treaty in Victoria is being negotiated between the State Government and the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria.
The State
The Victorian Government is 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 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 oversees the negotiations. It helps 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 will ensure First Nations communities are properly represented and can use local knowledge to improve the lives of Indigenous people across the state. Specifically, Treaty will ensure:
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 – will give 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:
The First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria and the Victorian Government are now in the negotiation phase – with real progress being made.
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:
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 is being negotiated 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.
Legislation to enact Treaty-making, including the establishment of the First Peoples’ Assembly, was passed by the Victorian Parliament in 2018 with bi-partisan support. Since then, the First Peoples’ Assembly has had two elections where First Peoples in Victoria have elected their representatives to negotiate Treaty with the State Government.
Treaty in Victoria is being negotiated – not voted on – between the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria and the State Government. These negotiations are overseen by the independent Treaty Authority to ensure fairness and respect. Once a Treaty (or Treaties) are agreed upon – whether at the statewide or local level – those agreements will be signed by the negotiating parties. They will not be put to a general public vote.
The journey to Treaty must be led by First Peoples – but it’s a journey we can walk together. 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.
Write to Brad Battin to express your support for Treaty.
Donate to the Treaty Fighting Fund – and help keep the Assembly strong and independent.
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.