The Andrews Labor Government and First Peoples’ Assembly are together delivering the next critical phase of the state’s landmark Treaty process, with the final elements now in place to commence treaty negotiations in 2023.

Acting Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Colin Brooks today joined members of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria on the banks of the Yarra River on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country for a ceremonial signing of the Treaty Negotiation Framework and the Self-determination Fund.

The framework sets out the ground rules for negotiating treaties between the State and First Peoples, including both a statewide treaty with all First Peoples in Victoria and individual treaties with local Traditional Owner groups.

The framework guarantees an open and inclusive treaty process, where all First Peoples groups in Victoria, including Traditional Owners, will have the opportunity to register for treaty negotiations.

Today’s announcement also includes a historic investment of $65 million to establish a Self-determination Fund to provide First Peoples with a financial resource to ensure Treaty negotiations are fair and equitable and create a new mechanism to build capacity, wealth and prosperity for First Peoples communities.

Today’s announcement follows agreement on the Treaty Authority in June and subsequent passing of the Treaty Authority and Other Treaty Elements Act through the Victorian Parliament.

Treaty is a significant step towards transferring power and resources to First Peoples so they can control the policies and programs that affect their lives, in line with supporting for Aboriginal self-determination. Victoria is leading the nation in implementing all elements of the Uluru Statement from the Heart – Voice, Treaty, Truth.