High stakes for Victorian treaty umpire as negotiations between First Nations and government loom

Jill Gallagher says the Treaty Authority will help create an even playing field for Indigenous communities during Victorian treaty negotiations. Photograph: James Ross/AAP

Jill Gallagher had the eyes of the nation on her as she spearheaded Victoria’s landmark treaty process. But even Gallagher, the former head of the state’s treaty advancement commission, admits she would hate to “go up against the state government with all their negotiators”.

As Victoria begins nation-leading treaty negotiations this year, a new body will be formed to help create an even playing field between First Nations people and the government.