Victoria has reached a defining moment in its decade-long push toward a Treaty with First Nations People. The State Government and the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria have struck an in-principle agreement on Australia’s first statewide Treaty – a landmark step that promises to reshape the relationship between government and First Peoples.
The Statewide Treaty Bill, introduced to Parliament today, sets the stage for the agreement to be formalised. At its heart, the Bill locks in the Assembly as a permanent body with expanded powers – ensuring that decisions about policies and services that directly affect First Peoples are made with First Peoples.
If passed, the Bill will see the Assembly take on significant responsibilities from making rules and decisions on matters impacting Aboriginal communities, to leading truth-telling and healing initiatives across Victoria.
It will also play a role in statutory appointments, guide heritage protections, oversee programs such as NAIDOC Week and the Aboriginal Community Infrastructure Fund, and establish a First Peoples’ Institute to grow future leadership.
The Assembly will remain democratically elected, giving communities a direct voice in shaping their future. It will also act as an independent accountability mechanism – a requirement under the National Agreement to Close the Gap – ensuring government is held to its commitments.
