The National Native Title Council (NNTC) celebrates the introduction of legislation into the Victoria Parliament to enact Australia’s first Treaty agreement with Victorian Traditional Owners.

“Treaty is about First Nations decision-making on First Nations issues,” said Jamie Lowe, CEO of the National Native Title Council and Gundjitmara Djabwurrung man.

“Victorian Traditional Owners have been calling for Treaty for generations. This historic moment is the result of decades of hard work and advocacy by First Nations communities to realise ambitions for self-determination.

“Victoria’s truth-telling and Treaty process set a roadmap for other states and territories when it comes to shifting the relationship between First Nations people and governments.

“The First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria is a democratically elected body that has been operating for six years. The Assembly puts First Nations in the driver’s seat to shape policies and implement statewide Treaty.

“This is a historic moment for First Nations agreement-making. Native title agreements recognise First Nations land and water rights – rights to care for Country and keep culture strong. Treaties will operate alongside native title agreements in the future.

“Treaty agreements, Native title agreements and Traditional Owner agreements all assert First Nations rights and strengthen self-determination. 

“This Statewide Treaty does not contain provisions for the payment of compensation for cultural or economic loss or the impairment of Traditional Owner rights.

“However, every native title holder has a legal right to seek compensation when their rights are impacted. The National Native Title Council works with Traditional Owners across Australia to secure payment of outstanding compensation.

“As the national representative body for native title, we congratulate Victorian Traditional Owners on this historic Treaty agreement. It has been a long process, but Victorian First Nations have not wavered in their determination,” said Jamie Lowe.

ENDS

For all media enquiries please contact Sarah Easson, Head of Media Relations. E: sarah.easson@nntc.com.au or M: 0419 228 642