The Treaty Authority of Victoria has officially established the Negotiations Database, marking a significant milestone in the state's efforts to negotiate treaties with First Peoples. 

The Treaty Authority, under the Advancing the Treaty Process with Aboriginal Victorians Act 2018 (Vic), is tasked with facilitating and overseeing the treaty negotiations between First Peoples and the State of Victoria. 

The establishment of the Negotiations Database is a crucial step in ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the treaty process.

The Treaty Authority has declared the Negotiations Database established. The database will serve as the central repository for all information related to the treaty negotiations. 

Its primary function is to support both First Peoples and the State of Victoria in acting transparently and accountably, ensuring that all parties have access to necessary information.

“This is really a historic moment for Victoria, but also for the nation,” Jidah Clark, the chair of the Treaty Authority and a Djab Wurrung man, has told reporters.

Starting 3 July 2024, the process to identify the entity that will be entered into the Negotiations Database as the First Peoples’ Representative Body for Statewide Treaty negotiations will commence. 

The Treaty Negotiation Framework anticipates that the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, already declared as the Aboriginal Representative Body, will seek to be entered onto the database as the Body.

If the Assembly is removed from the Negotiations Database, the Treaty Authority will initiate a contingency process to identify another entity to represent First Peoples in the statewide treaty negotiations.

Traditional Owners across Victoria are now invited to begin the process of negotiating Treaties specific to their aspirations and priorities for their communities and traditional lands. 

This participation is open to all First Peoples through either the Statewide or Traditional Owner Treaty processes.

“Treaty is something our mob have been advocating for generations. It's really about addressing the fundamental relationship between First Peoples and the state,” Clark said.

High-level negotiations between the First Peoples’ Assembly and the Victorian Government are expected to commence later this year. 

The independent oversight by the Treaty Authority aims to ensure an equal and just negotiation process, drawing on international treaty-making models from countries such as Canada and New Zealand.

“We’re not only abiding by the Western legal system, but we’re bringing into the fold Aboriginal culture and Aboriginal Lore so that two systems and worldviews can speak and come to an agreement,” Clark says. 

For further details about the Negotiations Database, the Treaty Negotiation Framework, and the processes involved in Statewide and Traditional Owner Treaties, visit the Treaty Authority's website at treatyauthority.au

The public is encouraged to contact the Treaty Authority at 1300 133 033 or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for any queries or participation in the treaty process.