This website contains images of people who have passed away.

Treaty forum, 28 April 2017

The Victorian Treaty forum was held by the former Aboriginal Victoria in Melbourne on Friday 28 April 2017.

The purpose of the forum was to:

  • outline the treaty journey so far
  • present the outcomes of the March consultations, Treaty Circles and Online Message Stick
  • advise on the next steps in the treaty process

The forum was an example of democracy in action, with different community views expressed and taken into consideration by the State and Aboriginal Treaty Interim Working Group.

At the forum, the outcomes from treaty community consultations held up until April 2017 were also presented.

Based on community consultation, it was found that a representative body needs to be:

  • democratic
  • independent from government
  • able to authorise treaty or treaties

These outcomes were compiled into reports, copies of which were available in hardcopy for those in attendance. The reports include a summary of consultations to date and detailed analysis of design considerations for the Aboriginal Representative Body.

At the forum, the then Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, the Hon Natalie Hutchins MP, announced that the 2017-18 Victorian State Budget would provide $28.5 million to support the treaty process over the next four years. Overall, $68.2 million over four years was allocated in the 2017-18 State Budget to support Aboriginal self-determination.

Find the online summary of the report:

Aboriginal community consultations on the design of a representative body

Watch the video from the Treaty forum

Updated