Treaty Authority

The path for Treaty negotiations between First Peoples and the State of Victoria has been laid with the establishment today of the Treaty Negotiations Database by the Treaty Authority. For generations, First Peoples have called for Treaty to acknowledge the unique status of First Peoples and to support their communities to thrive.  The Treaty Authority is the independent body that is responsible for facilitating and overseeing Treaty negotiations between First Peoples and the State of Victoria. Whilst other states have embarked on Treaty processes, Victoria is the most advanced. The Treaty Authority is now welcoming First Peoples and all people of the State to walk together on this historic journey. 

What happens if a party breaches a Treaty? - As part of Treaty negotiations, parties must agree on a dispute resolution process and ways to enforce the Treaty if a party breaches it (e.g. a tribunal). - These enforcement processes may depend on the content of Treaties. - It also has to be clear in a Treaty that parties can’t start legal action until the dispute resolution process agreed in the Treaty has been followed by the parties. Check here for all our FAQs: https://lnkd.in/gnWSjV4h

What can a Treaty include? - Traditional Owners in Victoria may negotiate Treaties that reflect specific aspirations and priorities for their communities and traditional lands and waters. Treaties might include things like: - Traditional relationships with land and waters including reparations, entitlements and management - Strengthening culture and language - Economic underpinnings for caring for Country - Business development opportunities Check here for all our FAQs: https://lnkd.in/gnWSjV4h

Our 2023-24 Annual Report is out now. Our inaugural report illustrates that we have reached significant milestones on the shared journey towards Treaty already. We proceed guided and grounded by our values of fairness, responsibility, honour and connection. To everyone who worked alongside us this year, we thank you. Download the full report here: https://lnkd.in/gU5gEz4U

How will cultural knowledge be protected?   - The Treaty Authority will uphold and observe Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Data Governance principles to the fullest extent possible having regard to applicable laws.   - We will protect the knowledge and information (data) we receive from First Peoples parties and participants. - We know some cultural knowledge is sacred and should not be shared widely. - We’ll ask Traditional Owners to identify this knowledge and tell us if specific protections are needed for it.  Check here for all our FAQs: https://lnkd.in/gnWSjV4h

Who can negotiate a Traditional Owner Treaty? - A Traditional Owner Treaty is negotiated by what is known as a ‘Treaty Delegation’. - This might include one Traditional Owner group or multiple groups on the Negotiations Database who come together to form a Delegation for the same area. - If more than one Traditional Owner group wants to negotiate a Treaty over the same Country, they have to come together to form a single Treaty Delegation. Check here for all our FAQs: https://lnkd.in/gnWSjV4h

Treaty Authority Members Duean White and Thelma Austin had a deadly time at First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria Treaty in the Park on Wadawurring Country on Sunday Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation.

This important role will focus on upholding Aboriginal Lore, Law and Cultural Authority within the Treaty Authority. The Cultural Counsel plays a crucial role in ensuring the Treaty Authority operates within a culturally respectful framework, supporting Aboriginal-led initiatives and safeguarding cultural authority throughout treaty negotiations and organisational functions.   Due to the nature of the Treaty process and emphasis on self-determination for First Peoples, only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply for this role. Apply here: https://lnkd.in/gKteGXXi  

Be a part of ground-breaking work supporting the journey towards reconciliation. The Treaty Authority seeks an experienced Senior Lawyer to join our Lore and Law team. In this role, you will support the General Counsel by providing strategic legal advice across all areas of the Authority’s operations, and work alongside the Agreement Making team to support the Treaty Authority’s functions in relation to Treaty negotiations. Apply here: https://lnkd.in/gQ4KTcvG  

The Treaty Authority has declared the State of Victoria is ready to enter Statewide Treaty Negotiations. Statewide Treaty will be negotiated between the State of Victoria and the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria. This is a significant time for all Victorians as Statewide Treaty negotiations begin. Dr Petah Atkinson, Yorta Yorta woman and Treaty Authority Member: “This is an historic moment for all Victorians. Treaty will be a critical way to reset relationships between First Peoples and non-Aboriginal people." Read the full release here: https://lnkd.in/gZyW72bj Image 1 courtesy of Leroy Miller.