The first STATEWIDE TREATY IS ALMOST HERE
Since 2019, the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria has been yarning with Community in every corner of the state. The elected Assembly Members have been listening to First Peoples’ needs, hopes and aspirations.
We have taken these ideas to the negotiating table and pushed hard to ensure that Self-determination is at the heart of Australia’s first ever Treaty!
“What unites all the ideas we’ve heard is the simple principle that decisions about Aboriginal communities, should be made by Aboriginal people.”
Local knowledge and practical solutions
The first Statewide Treaty will make sure our communities are properly represented and can use local knowledge to come up with practical solutions to improve the lives of our people across the state.
A key step in that journey will be expanding the roles and responsibilities of the Assembly, so it has meaningful decision-making powers when it comes to First Peoples matters.
Here’s what we’re negotiating…
Decisions about us made by us
The First Peoples’ Assembly will have meaningful decision-making powers, independent from Government that will enable our people to deliver practical solutions at a local level for generations to come.
STRENGTH TO Hold Governmentto its promises
We will have the power to hold Government to its promises and make sure they are up to scratch and delivering for First Peoples.
BUILDING KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND LEADERSHIP
First Peoples have a long history of leaders and trailblazers. We will continue to build our knowledge, leadership and skills to strengthen our Self-determination.
stronger together
Treaty is strongest when all our communities are enrolled so we’ll continue to grow our independent electoral roll and represent First Peoples with a range of advocacy.
Strong & proud in Culture
First Peoples’ cultures and languages will be respected. We believe that sharing and celebrating our culture will bring everyone closer together.
This Treaty will honour our ancestors and maintain our continuing connection to Country and uphold our cultures, Lore and Law.
Truth-telling and healing
We believe ongoing Truth-telling will foster understanding and healing. We will ensure all Victorians learn the truth about the past, and that the work of the Yoorrook Justice Commission is taught through our education system.
A TREATY FOR THE GENERATIONS
We aren’t stopping here. In fact, this is the beginning of a new Treaty era. We’re pushing for an agreement that will set the standard for future Statewide Treaties — creating better outcomes for our communities now and for generations to come.
What’s next?
Negotiations between the Assembly and the Victorian Government about the first Statewide Treaty are underway!
If you’re mob, make sure you are enrolled with the Assembly and have your say.
In addition to the Statewide Treaties negotiated by the Assembly, the various Traditional Owner groups across Victoria will be able to negotiate Treaties specific to their Country. These Traditional Owner Treaties will make sure local knowledge can inform decision-making at a community level.
Those negotiations will unfold over the coming years at different paces as it’s not a case of one-size-fits-all.
Meet the elected Assembly members
Meet the Traditional Owners of Country who have been chosen by their communities to represent their hopes, needs and ideas on the journey to Treaty.
A look back at the Journey so far
With Community’s guidance, the Assembly has established a number of building blocks to make sure Treaty can happen fairly and in a way that’s grounded in our culture, Lore and law.