Victorian First Nations groups enter treaty talks register in major step toward negotiations

Two Victorian First Nations groups have formally entered the state’s treaty negotiations register, marking a significant procedural step toward individual treaties under Victoria’s landmark treaty framework.

The Wotjobaluk Nations (representing the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagulk peoples in western Victoria) and the Tati Tati traditional owners in the state’s north-west have joined the Victorian Treaty Authority’s Treaty Negotiations Register. The register is an official, independent record that lists parties authorised to engage in treaty negotiations.

For the Wotjobaluk Nations, the announcement was framed as part of a long arc of community-led work. Barengi Gadjin Land Council chair Chris Harrison said the milestone reflected decades of effort by elders and community leaders seeking recognition of enduring connection to Country and the rights of traditional owners.

“Our mob, with elders and community leaders, began this journey more than 30 years ago, seeking recognition of our enduring connection to Country and our rights as traditional owners.” – Chris Harrison

Under Victoria’s model, Traditional Owner Treaties are described as nation-to-nation agreements negotiated between a Traditional Owner Treaty Delegation and the State of Victoria. The treaties are intended to cover traditional lands and waters and set out a framework for authority, decision-making and future priorities.

The next step for the newly registered groups is the establishment of a treaty delegation to represent each nation during negotiations. Leaders have signalled the process will be guided by culture and community values, with aspirations shaped by traditional owners rather than imposed externally.

The development adds to a growing list of Victorian First Nations groups progressing within the state’s treaty architecture, as communities test how treaty-making can operate alongside existing native title and settlement arrangements.

The Wotjobaluk Nations were the first traditional owners group in Victoria and south-east Australia to receive a positive native title determination in 2005, and later secured a Recognition and Settlement Agreement with the Victorian government – milestones now described as stepping stones toward treaty.

Supporters say treaty negotiations represent a chance to shift relationships from policy dependence to negotiated authority, including the ability to articulate priorities grounded in Country, culture and self-determination. Critics, however, have previously argued treaty outcomes will depend heavily on resourcing, the strength of negotiating mandates and the willingness of governments to deliver meaningful structural change.

For communities entering the register, the focus is on the work ahead: building representative delegations, consulting widely, and ensuring negotiations reflect what traditional owners want future generations to inherit.