Treaty-era governance takes shape as First Peoples' Assembly voting opens across Victoria

Dechlan Brennan Published March 23, 2026 at 9.00am (AWST)

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Ngarra Murray and Neville Jetta have called for all First Peoples across the state to vote in the elections (Image: Jarred Cross)

Voting for the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria opened on Saturday, with more than 80 candidates contesting seats across the state.

Having negotiated the country's first Treaty with the Victorian Government last year, the Assembly's elections will run through until April 12 to elect 34 members across two types of seats: General and Reserved.

More than 80 candidates are contesting 22 General Seats, which will be decided by enrolled First Peoples across five regions: 10 representatives from the Metro region, and three each from the North East, North West, South East and South West.

The elected body of Traditional Owners will be responsible for overseeing and delivering outcomes under the Treaty. They will operate within the new governance structure known as Gellung Warl — meaning "tip of the spear" in Gunaikurnai.

Under this framework, the Assembly, alongside a permanent truth-telling body and an accountability commission, will oversee policies aimed at closing the gap in Victoria.

*Ngarra Murray speaking on Saturday. (Image: Jarred Cross)*

Outgoing Assembly chair Ngarra Murray argued First Peoples across the state had an "obligation and collective responsibility" to vote and elect representatives to "take us into the Treaty era". She said there was a "really big momentum" in Victoria following the Treaty signing.

"We're pretty excited to be at this point," Ms Murray added.

First Peoples aged 16 and over are eligible to vote. Ms Murray said the participation of younger people was "so important," noting the next generation of Indigenous Victorians "have a big role to play".

"We're preparing this world for what they'll inherit as young people into the future," she said. "Treaty is for the generations, so it's important our young people come out and participate and be active in the process."

Noongar man and former AFL player Neville Jetta, who has lived in Victoria for almost 20 years, cast his vote on Saturday. He said it is "very, very important" to support the Assembly's legacy, which will help deliver "positive outcomes" for future generations.

"I'm super proud of what they've been able to achieve," he said. "I'm excited about where this is going."

*Noongar man Neville Jetta said it is "very, very important" to support the First Peoples Assembly's leagy. (Image: Jarred Cross)*

All successful candidates will serve four-year terms. However, the Coalition has pledged to abolish the Assembly and scrap the Treaty if it wins the November state election, arguing it is not the best way to close the gap.

Ms Murray rejected that position last month, arguing Treaties are about "practical change that improves the livelihoods of our people and strengthens the health, well-being and prosperity of our Communities".

On Saturday, she said the benefits of the Treaty process would become clearer when the Assembly begins its third term in May.

"We're in a really strong position, and we've worked incredibly hard across the political sphere and within the Parliament across all parties," Ms Murray said.

"That's something we will continue to do — to share that dialogue with the opposition. I think...no matter who gets in [in November], they will inherit a working Treaty system with Gellung Warl."

Asked whether that meant the results would speak for themselves, she added: "Absolutely. We know that we've got thousands and thousands of people that support the process [with] all our allies, right across the state."

*This will be the first Assembly to operate under the new Treaty. (Image: Jarred Cross)*

Speaking on the oval named after her great-grandfather, pastor Sir Doug Nicholls, Ms Murray — a Wamba Wamba, Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung and Dhudhuroa woman — also reflected on her time in the Assembly. She announced last month she would not seek re-election after two terms, the latter served as Co-Chair alongside Gunditjmara man Rueben Berg.

"It's been an incredible journey," she said.

"It's been seven years. It's a lot of hard work over that time...it's an absolute honour and privilege to lead the Assembly to the first treaty in Australia, but I'm looking forward to spending time with my family and having a bit of a break."

Voting will be held online and the election provider, OGL, will also host in-person voting booths at various locations across the state.

Information on all the candidates can be found online.

First Peoples can enrol to vote via the Treaty Elections website.