What is Treaty and what does it mean for me?

Treaty is a word that comes up a lot lately. But what does it actually mean, and why does it matter for Wamba Wemba people in the Mallee?

What is a treaty?

A treaty is essentially an agreement — a formal, legally binding agreement between two parties. In this context, it’s about agreements between First Peoples (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) and government.

Australia is the only Commonwealth country that did not sign treaties with its First Peoples when colonisation began. Treaties in other countries — like Canada, New Zealand, the United States — set out rights, responsibilities, and relationships between governments and First Nations peoples.

Victoria is now working on treaty processes at the state level.

What is Victoria’s Treaty process?

In Victoria, the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria is the elected body representing Aboriginal people in Victoria in the treaty process. They were elected in 2019 and again in 2021.

The Assembly’s role is to:

• Be the voice of Aboriginal people in Victoria in treaty negotiations
• Set up the framework for treaty
• Ensure Aboriginal communities are involved and informed
• Negotiate with the Victorian Government

Treaty in Victoria is being developed through a process of Self-Determination — meaning Aboriginal people are leading the conversation, not just responding to government proposals.

What would a Treaty actually say?

Treaty discussions in Victoria are still happening — no treaty has been signed yet. But broadly, treaty is about:

• Self-determination — the right of Aboriginal people to govern themselves in areas like culture, land, and community
• Recognition — formal recognition of Aboriginal people’s rights, history, and ongoing connection to Country
• Agreements — agreements about things like compensation, land return, resource sharing, and governance
• Control — more control over services, programs, and decisions that affect Aboriginal communities

Treaty is NOT the same as native title. Native title is a legal recognition of traditional rights to land. Treaty is a broader agreement about relationship, rights, and self-determination.

What does this mean for Wamba Wemba people?

Wamba Wemba people are part of the First Peoples of Victoria. This means:

• You have the right to participate in the treaty process
• You can register to vote in First Peoples’ Assembly elections (if you’re Aboriginal and live in Victoria)
• You can attend Treaty Hus — community gatherings where treaty is discussed

Treaty is not something that is being done to mob — it’s something mob are leading. But that only works if mob show up and have their say.

How can I be involved?

• Attend Treaty Hus: These are community gatherings held around Victoria. They are open to Aboriginal community members. Turn up, listen, ask questions, and share your views. You don’t need to have all the answers — just showing up matters.
• Register to vote in First Peoples’ Assembly elections: If you’re Aboriginal and live in Victoria, you can vote in the Assembly elections. Check eligibility at the First Peoples’ Assembly website.
• Stay informed: The First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria website has information about the process.

Key contacts

• First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria: (03) 9603 9380 — or visit firstpeoplesvic.org
• Wamba Wemba Elders group in Swan Hill — contact via Swan Hill Neighbourhood House (03) 5032 9238 for information about local treaty discussions
• VACCHO: (03) 9603 9380 — can connect you with broader treaty information

The bottom line

Treaty is about what Aboriginal people want — not just what government offers. It’s a long process and it won’t change everything overnight. But it is a genuine opportunity for mob to have a say in the future.

You are allowed to not have all the answers. Showing up and being part of the conversation is enough.