The First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria have announced the make-up of a panel to oversee the selection of independent "umpires" with the Treaty Authority.

The panel, announced in conjunction with the Victorian government, will be responsible for selecting five Indigenous people who will help facilitate and resolve disputes between the First People's Assembly and the government.

Outgoing Assembly co-chair and Bangerang and Wiradjuri Elder, Aunty Geraldine Atkinson, said that she wished the panel "luck" in finding the best people to make up the Treaty Authority

"Today we've taken another step forward on our journey to Treaty and making sure Aboriginal people have the freedom and the power to make the decisions that affect our communities, our culture and our Country," Aunty Geraldine said.

"I know there's lots of good mob out there who will stand tall and do us proud."

Fellow inaugural Assembly co-chair and Nira illim bulluk man of the Taungurung nation Marcus Stewart said the panel has a significant task ahead.

"It's important that Treaty is done in a way that respects and understands our way of doing things," Mr Stewart said.

"That's why the Treaty Authority will be an institution grounded in our cultural authority, Lore and law, and why the panel needs to find the right people who are respected and trusted by our community."

Victoria's Treaty process is based on similar models seen in New Zealand and Canada. In the Canadian province of British Columbia, a commission plays a similar mediating role in overseeing Treaty disputes.

It is hoped this Treaty authority will allow an even playing field in negotiations between First Nations people and the state government.

Former Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Richard Wynne is one of the five selection panellists and said he was grateful to play his part in the process.

"Victoria is leading all jurisdictions in its efforts to develop a treaty outcome with our First Nations people," Mr Wynne told the National Indigenous Times.

"I am very pleased that the government has asked me to play a role in this. It is really important work that must be to be anchored in self-determination."

Other members of the panel include: Mutthi Mutthi and Wemba Wamba Elder Aunty Vicki Clark OAM, Larrakia, Wadjigan and Central Arrente man Dr Eddie Cubillo; an Associate Dean & Director of the Indigenous Law and Justice Hub at Melbourne Law School, Gunditjmara-Kirrae Whurrong man Marcus Clarke; Chief Executive Officer at Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation, and Wamba Wamba woman Karinda Taylor; Chief Executive Officer at First Peoples' Health and Wellbeing.

Minister for Treaty and First Peoples, Gabrielle Williams, said the government was "proud" to work in partnership with the Assembly to help create the selection panel.

"The establishment of the panel is another important step on Victoria's path to Treaty, with the Treaty Authority to commence operations later this year which will allow Treaty negotiations to begin," Williams said.

The Treaty Authority will be guided by First Peoples' Lore, Law and Cultural Authority.

The funding of the Authority will be independent from the government, shielded from the fluctuations of the election cycle budgets, as well as other forms of bureaucracy.

During the first term of the Assembly, legislation was passed with support from both the Labor government and the crossbench, to enable Victoria to be the first state in the country to establish an Indigenous Treaty authority.

At the time, Premier Daniel Andrews said that authority showed "how far we've come."

Despite legislation stating that the authority may "sue and be sued," it is designed to avoid litigation, a criticised aspect of the native title process, where traditional owners were required to take legal action against the government.

The selection process will open shortly, with the members expected to be appointed in the second half of 2023.

After voting for the Assembly ends on June 3, the elected members intend to negotiate a state-wide treaty to tackle issues impacting First Nations people as well as helping to empower Traditional Owner groups throughout the state negotiate specific treaties in areas that reflect their specific aspirations.