Historic deal struck to begin Victorian treaty negotiations with First Nations groups

Marcus Stewart says a deal to begin treaty negotiations will reshape First Nations communities’ relationship with fellow Victorians. Photograph: Joel Carrett/AAP

Victoria will become the first Australian jurisdiction to begin negotiating treaties with First Nations groups next year, after a historic deal was brokered to allow traditional owners to enter into interim agreements during negotiations.

The deal struck between the Andrews government and the First Peoples’ Assembly – the body elected to negotiate an overarching framework for treaty – includes an initial investment of $65m over three years into a fund to help traditional owners commence treaty negotiations.