Historic treaty a 'new era' but remains a long journey

Victoria has become the first Australian jurisdiction to pass treaty legislation. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)

Historic treaty laws have marked a "new era" for Indigenous people but landmark negotiations won't start until well into the new year.

Victoria became the first Australian jurisdiction to pass treaty legislation which establishes Gellung Warl, a new body under the state's First Peoples Assembly with powers to make decisions on matters directly affecting Indigenous people.