Victoria's peak body for Traditional Owners has announced its new chief executive, with Kaley Nicholson appointed to the role following the departure of former CEO, Paul Paton, earlier this year.

Ms Nicholson — the Taungurung reserved seat holder on the First Peoples' Assembly — will lead the Federation of Victorian Traditional Owner Corporations (FVTOC) on a full-time basis after serving as interim CEO since Mr Paton stepped down.

Mr Paton, who led the Federation from 2020, left the role in July and is understood to have since taken up a role with the Dilin Duwa Centre for Indigenous Business Leadership.

Ms Nicholson has family connections to the Barapa Barapa, Bunurong/Boonwurrung, Latji Latji, Mutthi Mutthi, Taungurung, Wamba Wemba, Wiradjuri and Yorta Yorta peoples. She also serves as Co-chair of Ngaweeyan Maar-oo and Chair of the Taungurung Land and Waters Council.

With a Master of Indigenous Business Leadership from Monash University, she brings more than 15 years of experience across governance, public policy, sociology and community development. She said her work — including her role at FVTOC — is grounded in service to Community.

"I'm excited and honoured to take up the challenge of leading the Federation into this exciting next phase," she said, "where we'll see Traditional Owner Treaty negotiations begin, an even stronger focus on Traditional Owners' economic rights and leadership, and fierce advocacy on the collective priorities of Victorian Traditional Owner groups."

FVTOC Board Chair, Cassandra Lewis, said Ms Nicholson's permanent appointment places the organisation in "excellent hands".

"We're delighted to welcome Kaley to the ongoing CEO role," she said.

"Over a short period of time, she's been a steady hand during transition, and demonstrated her sharp strategic thinking, results-driven leadership, and deep commitment to Traditional Owner groups statewide."

Ms Nicholson has been a vocal supporter of the statewide Treaty process led by the First Peoples' Assembly.

Last month, she argued funding set aside for Traditional Owner Treaties through the Self-Determination Fund must remain a priority as a "gateway for practical change in Aboriginal lives".

"We know Treaty will improve life outcomes for Aboriginal communities, and it's in Traditional Owner Treaties we'll see the economic transformation, driven by land rights, that will set us up for generations to come," she said.

She also urged the government to "not get in the way of good-faith negotiations and practical Treaty outcomes" by approving mines and creating national parks before Traditional Owners have had a chance to negotiate.

"Statewide Treaty is an incredible, significant and welcome achievement, and it's just the beginning — because Traditional Owner Treaties are where we'll really see generational change for our communities, and the proudly progressive state of Victoria," Ms Nicholson said.

"They're good for mob, good for the economy, good for Victoria, and will put us on the right side of history."