Your rights in Victoria's Treaty process
Treaty is about Aboriginal self-determination. Wamba Wemba people have the right to participate in Victoria's treaty process. Treaty discussions are about what Aboriginal people WANT, not just what government offers.
Key points
- First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria is the elected body for treaty
- Treaty does not override native title — it is a separate right
- You can register to vote in First Peoples' Assembly elections if you are Aboriginal in Victoria
- Treaty Hus (community gatherings) are held around Victoria — turn up and have your say
- Treaty discussions are about what Aboriginal people WANT, not just what government offers
- You don't have to have all the answers — showing up and being part of the conversation is enough
Your rights in Victoria’s Treaty process
Treaty is about Aboriginal self-determination — the right of Aboriginal people to be involved in decisions that affect our communities. Here’s what it means for Wamba Wemba people in the Mallee.
First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria
The First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria is the elected body that represents Aboriginal people in Victoria in the treaty process. It was established through a community election process in 2019 and re-elected in 2021.
The Assembly’s role is to:
- Negotiate treaty with the Victorian Government
- Ensure Aboriginal community members are informed and involved
- Set up the framework for treaty
- Be the voice of mob, not just responding to government
The Assembly is based in Melbourne but holds events and consultations around Victoria, including in regional areas like Mildura and Swan Hill.
Your right to vote in Assembly elections
If you are Aboriginal and live in Victoria, you can register to vote in First Peoples’ Assembly elections. This is your democratic right in the treaty process.
The Assembly runs its own electoral process — separate from government elections. You can register at firstpeoplesvic.org or contact the Assembly directly.
Treaty Hus — community gatherings
Treaty Hus are community gatherings where treaty is discussed. They’re open to all Aboriginal community members. At Treaty Hus, you can:
- Learn about the treaty process
- Ask questions
- Share your views
- Hear from other mob about what they want from treaty
Treaty Hus are held around Victoria. Check the First Peoples’ Assembly website or ask at your local Aboriginal organisation about upcoming Treaty Hus in the Mallee region.
You don’t need to have all the answers to attend. Turning up and being present is participating. Your presence matters.
Treaty is separate from native title
Treaty is often confused with native title. They are separate legal rights:
- Native title is a legal recognition of traditional rights to land and waters under Australian common law
- Treaty is a broader agreement about self-determination, rights, relationships, and agreements between First Peoples and government
Treaty does not override native title. Both can exist together. Don’t let anyone tell you that treaty replaces or takes away native title rights.
Treaty discussions are about what mob WANT
The current treaty conversation is about what Aboriginal people want — not just what the government is willing to offer. This is the Self-Determination principle. Government cannot impose treaty on mob — mob lead the conversation.
This means:
- You are allowed to say no to proposals you don’t agree with
- You are allowed to propose things government hasn’t offered
- The process is meant to serve Aboriginal people, not the other way around
How to get involved
- First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria: (03) 9603 9380 — firstpeoplesvic.org
- Wamba Wemba Elders group — contact via Swan Hill Neighbourhood House (03) 5032 9238
- VACCHO — (03) 9603 9380 — can connect you with broader treaty information
Showing up is enough. You are allowed to not have all the answers.