Victorian Labor Begins Negotiations on Official Treaty With Indigenous Representatives

A woman walks past posters advocating for an Aboriginal voice and treaty ahead of an upcoming referendum in Melbourne, Australia on Aug. 30, 2023. William West/AFP via Getty Images

The Victorian Labor government has begun negotiations with Indigenous representatives on an official Treaty, which could broaden the powers of the Indigenous Assembly.

Negotiations began on Nov. 21 on “Wurundjeri Country” in Victoria and is the final step in an eight year process.

Since 2019, the Indigenous First People’s Assembly have engaged with communities across the state.

“Alongside the Statewide Treaty, Traditional Owner groups across Victoria will have the opportunity to negotiate local Treaties that reflect their unique needs and goals. This process represents a shared commitment to acknowledging history and building a more equitable future for all Victorians,” said Premier Jacinta Allan in a statement.

Local and Statewide Treaties

Along with Allan, Minister for Treaty Natalie Hutchins, the Victorian government, and members of the First Peoples’ Assembly attended the ceremony at Darebin Parklands.

Hutchins called it a historic day for the state and the nation.

“Treaty will be a practical agreement and a chance for all of us to build a more equitable and inclusive Victoria, which we can all take pride in.”

First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria Co-Chair Ngarra Murray said Indigenous culture would play a big part in the Treaty.

“Through this shared journey to Treaty, we’ll be looking to make sure Aboriginal communities can use local knowledge to come up with practical solutions at a local level,” said Murray.

The inaugural Statewide Treaty is expected to broaden the Assembly’s roles and responsibilities, however, it’s not clear what other concrete initiatives will be entered into and the full cost to taxpayers.

Opposition Calls for Clarity, Will Not Support Treaty

While the opposition initially backed the Treaty in 2022, after the accession of new leader John Pesutto, that position changed.

“We obviously have taken a position in recent months that we don’t support a treaty,” Pesutto told reporters, who was not in parliament when the 2022 decision was made.

The opposition leader called for clarity regarding what taxpayers and voters would be liable for.

“I’ve been up front with the Victorian people that our focus is on practical measures to improve Indigenous lives.”

Foundations of Victoria’s Treaty Process

Victoria’s Treaty journey began in 2016 with the establishment of the Aboriginal Treaty Working Group, followed by Jill Gallagher AO’s appointment as Treaty Commissioner in 2018.

Elections for the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria in 2019 and 2023 allowed Aboriginal communities to choose their negotiators.

The Assembly’s first term focused on gathering community input on negotiation processes, while its second term prioritised what the Treaty should deliver.

Key milestones include establishing a Self-Determination Fund, a Treaty Authority to oversee negotiations, and the Yoorrook Truth-Telling Process to address the impacts of colonisation.