As Victoria prepares to debate its historic Treaty legislation this week, the Co-Chairs of the First Peoples' Assembly will tell Parliament that it marks the beginning of a new chapter — one "where everyone prospers".

Introduced last month, the bill was described as a proud and historic step forward for First Peoples. It formally recognises the Assembly — under a new name, Gellung Warl, meaning "tip of the spear" or "pointed spear" in Gunaikurnai — as the permanent representative and deliberative body for Traditional Owners and First Peoples in Victoria.

On Tuesday, Co-Chairs Ngarra Murray and Rueben Berg will address Parliament, outlining the lasting challenges faced by First Peoples since colonisation and their hopes for what Treaty can deliver. In speeches provided to National Indigenous Times, they will argue for almost 200 years in Victoria, "we've had successive Governments saying 'they know best' about our business".

"Countless bodies, commissions and policies set up, without the leadership of First Peoples. Even with Governments with good intentions, it just does not work," Mr Berg will say.

"All of us can agree, our approach must change. Today, we can agree to move forward together by discontinuing the centuries of ineffective and harmful policies. This is not a favour asked, but a right recognised. Not a louder plea, but a clearer purpose. Not charity, but justice.

"We do this not to divide Victoria, but to complete it. Not to take anything from anyone, but to make this place more whole for everyone."

The Gunditjmara man's address will highlight that treaties have long existed in countries such as Aotearoa/New Zealand, Canada, and the United States; and that they deliver results.

"When First Peoples lead, outcomes improve," he will say. "So, while this is a historic day, I reiterate that we, Australians, are late to it. We choose it now — by emulating what succeeds, and shaping it to this Country and our communities."

The legislation to be debated this week will explicitly state that nothing in Treaty will usurp or limit the power of Parliament to enact legislation or conduct its regular business, something both the government and the Assembly have repeatedly clarified.

The Assembly has warned that racist abuse and misinformation, similar to that seen during the Voice referendum, are resurfacing as the debate intensifies. False claims that Treaty will allow laws to be applied differently based on race have already circulated online; misinformation the Assembly says is "expected to ramp up further during the debate".

Under the proposed legislation, the Assembly — which has held two democratic elections since being established — will have the power to make representations to Cabinet, ministers, and both houses of Parliament. It will also be able to meet with the police commissioner, address both houses of Parliament once a year, and report on matters affecting Indigenous people.

Furthermore, representatives from the Assembly will attend cabinet meetings at least twice a year, with all discussions held under strict confidentiality.

Ms Murray, a Wamba Wamba, Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung and Dhudhuroa woman, will tell Parliament that Treaty represents an end to governments treating Aboriginal people as political pawns.

"The time for paternalistic Governments making decisions on behalf of our people ends with this Treaty," her speech reads.

"No longer will policies be made about us, without us. Our people will no longer tolerate being the political football that politicians kick around looking to further their own selfish interests."

On Monday night, The Age reported that the opposition — which withdrew its bipartisan support for Treaty last year without notifying the Assembly — plans to rescind the legislation within 100 days if elected in November 2026. It is unclear how this would occur, with parts of the bill, including Gellung Warl, expected to be protected through special appropriation in the state budget.

Changes of government in Queensland and the Northern Territory have seen their own Treaty and truth-telling processes scrapped over the last 12 months.

Opposition spokeswoman for Aboriginal Affairs, Nationals MP Melina Bath, said last month that while the Coalition remains committed to closing the gap, they do not see Treaty as the right path.

"We believe there are alternative approaches [to closing the gap] that avoid division and race-based distinctions and will deliver real and positive outcomes for Aboriginal Victorians," she said.

Highlighting the previous bipartisan nature of the process, Ms Murray will remind Parliament that legislation on the Treaty process passed Victorian parliament twice previously "without opposition" and with "overwhelming support from all sides of the political sphere".

"Today we seek to continue that path. I invite all Members of this place to support us once again and enable meaningful change," she will say.

Mr Berg's speech notes that "good intentions have too often outlived good outcomes," with Gellung Warl to set measurable milestones, and report progress openly.

"We will accept scrutiny — from our people, from this Parliament, from independent bodies. And we will measure success where it counts," he will say.