Victoria's statewide Treaty negotiations are continuing on Wednesday, taking place on Dja Dja Wurrung Country in Bendigo.

The latest round follows an announcement last month from DJAARA (the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation), acting on behalf of the Dja Dja Wurrung People (Djaara), of their intent to become the first Traditional Owner group to negotiate a Traditional Owner Treaty with the Victorian government.

The First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria — the democratically elected body leading the state's journey to Treaty — said they were "proud" to be conducting the latest round of negotiations on Djandak — meaning Dja Dja Wurrung Country in Djaara language.

"Treaty is about making sure Aboriginal communities right across this State always have the ability to come up with and deliver practical solutions at their local level," Assembly co-chair Ngarra Murray, a Dja Dja Wurrung, Wamba Wamba, Yorta Yorta and Dhudhuroa woman, said.

"That's why we've been holding negotiations across Victoria, so we can bring Communities into these big conversations and make sure they are grounded in local knowledge."

While the Treaty process is backed by the Victorian Labor government, the Opposition has pledged to end it if elected in 2026.

Last week, for the first time, the state government hinted at a timeline, telling the Public Accounts and Estimates Committee it hopes to finalise a statewide Treaty by June 2026.

According to budget papers, 58 negotiation rounds were held last year, with 45 more expected in 2025–26.

Topics under discussion include those raised at the Convincing Ground gathering at Allestree Beach on Gunditjmara Country in March — the site of the 1834 massacre of the Kilcarer Gundidj Clan. They included capturing community stories and First Peoples' experiences, establishing an archive, creating public education opportunities, and continuing truth-telling beyond the conclusion of the Yoorrook Justice Commission.

Although negotiations have, at times, reflected differing priorities among groups, the state government has maintained its commitment to the process.

Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Natalie Hutchins said last month: "If you listen to the people directly affected by policies, you get better outcomes — that's commonsense — and Traditional Owner groups are experts in their communities, languages, cultures and caring for Country... Treaty is about making a better and fairer state for every Victorian."

However, some community members have previously expressed frustration to National Indigenous Times, pointing to a disconnect between the government's support for Treaty — a national first — and its implementation of policies that may worsen Indigenous disadvantage and contradict the goals of the Closing the Gap agreement.

In March, during a joint statement with the Victorian Government, the First Peoples' Assembly said an accountability body was urgently needed, particularly in light of bail reforms that experts warn will disproportionately harm Indigenous people and increase the risk of deaths in custody.

Premier Jacinta Allan said in November that the government would provide regular updates on the Treaty process. Negotiations are being led by senior Department of Premier and Cabinet officials alongside Member Negotiators appointed by the Assembly.

"The government is carrying out an engagement program to inform local government, community, and business leaders about the Treaty process in 2024 and 2025," a government spokesperson said.

"This includes information sessions across Victoria as well as regular updates to the website and joint statements."