Two more Traditional Owner groups in Victoria have formally begun preparing for their own treaty negotiations, entering onto the Treaty Authority's Negotiations Register as the state's treaty process continues to expand.
Following the first official Treaty signed last year between the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria and the state government, other groups can now pursue their own agreements, overseen by the independent Treaty Authority.
Last week, the Barengi Gadjin Land Council Aboriginal Corporation (BGLC) and Tati Tati, a Traditional Owner group, were added to the Negotiations Register. The two groups join the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation and the Bidwell-Maap Traditional Owners on the register.
Treaty negotiations and the Authority's role are guided by the Treaty Negotiation Framework. Once listed, groups enter a formal process that includes public notification to ensure both Traditional Owners and the wider Victorian community are informed.
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BGLC — a Registered Aboriginal Party and Native Title holder — represents the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagulk Peoples of the Wotjobaluk Nations in western Victoria.
Chairperson Chris Harrison described the move as a long-awaited step.
"This is a proud and deeply significant moment for the Wotjobaluk Nations peoples," he told the ABC.
"Our mob, with Elders and community leaders, began this journey more than 30 years ago, seeking recognition of our enduring connection to Country and our rights as Traditional Owners."
Treaty Authority member and Yorta Yorta woman Petah Atkinson said the development marked a historic milestone, noting the Wotjobaluk Nations were the first in southwestern Victoria to secure native title recognition.
"We acknowledge their entry onto the Register is yet another one of many hard-fought efforts for their self-determination," she said. "The Treaty Authority will continue to support BGLC as they do the groundwork to prepare for treaty negotiations."
Fellow Authority member Thelma Austin offered congratulations on the "incredible achievement," arguing treaty is about "justice, empowerment and self-determination for First Peoples".
"In recent months, we have seen significant momentum for treaty-making in Victoria, which will build a stronger and fairer state. We look forward to working alongside the Wotjobaluk Peoples as they progress their treaty aspirations," she said.
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Tati Tati, whose lands stretch across Robinvale/Wemen, Euston, Narrung/boundary bend and Manangatang along the southern banks of the Murray River, has also begun the process.
They become the second group on the Register without formal recognition through state or federal legislation.
"This demonstrates that the Traditional Owner treaty process is fair and equitable for Traditional Owners," Biripi woman and Treaty Authority member, Duean White, said.
"Traditional Owners in Victoria can take the treaty journey on their own terms and the path is open to all Groups."
Authority member Andrew Jackomos said the move was significant for the group's future.
"This is an exciting step forward for the self-determination of Tati Tati people," he said.
"As more Traditional Owners progress their paths to treaty, we acknowledge that this process will contribute to greater reconciliation for all Victorians."
