The state government expects to introduce the Statewide Treaty Bill to Parliament later this year.

Negotiations focus on evolving the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria into a permanent representative body with power to advise government and decide on matters affecting First Peoples.

For five years, the Assembly has been the independent, elected body representing First Peoples in the Treaty process.

The Bill proposes to grant the Assembly decision-making powers to help communities design and deliver local solutions.

The state and the Assembly are negotiating provisions to allow the Assembly to:

• Establish the independent accountability mechanism required by the National Agreement to Close the Gap, offering solutions and recommendations.

• Decide rules on specific matters such as confirmation of Aboriginality.

• Deliver programs and events including the Aboriginal Community Infrastructure Program, Honour Roll and NAIDOC Week.

• Make statutory appointments to designated First Peoples’ seats on boards such as the Heritage Council.

• Celebrate more than 60,000 years of culture, including through Victoria’s ceremonial life.

• Lead truth-telling and reconciliation, building a public archive to educate future generations.

• Advise government, question Ministers, and ensure departments consult on laws and policies directed at First Peoples.

• Strengthen self-determination and leadership in the Treaty era.

Treaty acknowledges the past and drives practical change to improve outcomes for First Peoples.

The Productivity Commission found governments have underestimated the scale of change needed to meet Closing the Gap targets, praising the state’s Treaty process as a national leader.

The proposed body would operate within existing democratic structures and not hold veto power.

It would be a statutory corporation under the Bill.

Treaty would also legislate the Assembly’s public reporting, elections, governance, and Elders’ oversight.

The body would be subject to IBAC, VAGO and the Ombudsman.

The state government and Assembly acknowledge the Yoorrook Justice Commission’s reports, Yoorrook for Transformation and Truth be Told.

These will shape public understanding of First Peoples’ history since colonisation.

This stage of negotiation continues a near decade-long journey toward Australia’s first Treaty.

The state is represented by senior Department of Premier and Cabinet staff; Assembly members appoint their own negotiators.