Treaty negotiations continue

By Riverine Herald

Mar 26, 2025

Victorian Treaty negotiations were recently held in south-west Victoria. Photo: Leroy Miller. Photo by Supplied

Treaty and First Peoples Minister Natalie Hutchins and the First Peoples’ Assembly Negotiation Delegation have released a joint statement following a recent meeting.

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Taking place on Gunditjmara country, the regional meeting was held to progress negotiations for Victoria’s first statewide Treaty.

Parties met at a significant site on the beach of Allestree at Portland Bay in south-west Victoria.

The bay is known as the Convincing Ground, where there was a massacre of the Kilcarer Gundidj clan in 1834.

The site is significant for these discussions, with parties identifying truth and reconciliation as essential outcomes from Treaty talks.

Capturing and retaining stories from across the state of the history and experiences of First Peoples for public education was discussed at the Allestree negotiations.

Continuing truth-telling was also discussed following the work of Victoria’s Yoorrook Justice Commission, which hears submissions on injustices faced by First Nations people.

Negotiations in January and February focused on closing the gap in outcomes between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.

The Victorian Government is engaging local governments, communities and business leaders about the Treaty process, including information sessions and joint statements.

For more information, visit firstpeoplesvic.org