Treaty another step closer for Victoria

THE Victorian government has advanced Treaty negotiations with the launch of the Treaty Negotiations Database.

Launched this week by the Treaty Authority, the database will hold information on parties involved in Treaty negotiations and their status.

It will serve as the official register for all parties, including the Victorian Government and the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria.

Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Natalie Hutchins said the launch signified progress towards beginning Treaty negotiations this year.

“The opening of the Treaty Negotiations Database, overseen by the independent Treaty Authority, means we are on track to begin Treaty negotiations this year,” she said.

The Treaty Authority, appointed by the First Peoples’ Assembly and the government in December, will administer the database.

Negotiating parties will be invited to register in the coming months, with negotiations expected to start shortly after registration.

Parties must meet minimum standards to be entered on to the database.

It will track participants in the negotiation process and store information on what is being negotiated.

The Treaty Authority was created based on recommendations from an expert panel, following the passing of the Treaty Authority and Other Treaty Elements Act with bipartisan support in 2022.

The Yoorrook Justice Commission, investigating historical injustices, will inform Treaty negotiations with its findings and recommendations.

Ms Hutchins said the government was committed to building Treaty relationships.