First Peoples in Victoria are strong and self-determining - progress

Key initiatives

DPC delivered the following key initiatives in 2024–25, contributing significantly to the achievement of the departmental objective: ‘First Peoples in Victoria are strong and self-determining’.

Output: Self-determination policy and reform advice and programs

Supported strong policy outcomes for First Peoples that promote self-determination and address injustice, by driving whole-of-government policy and reform in the Treaty and First Peoples portfolio

In 2024–25, DPC worked closely with Ngaweeyan Maar-oo, the Koorie Caucus of the Closing the Gap Partnership Forum (Partnership Forum), to action key commitments under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, including scoping a combined Place-Based Partnership and Community Data project and funding Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation sector strengthening projects developed by Ngaweeyan Maar-oo.

Coordinated implementation across government of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, including supporting the Partnership Forum on Closing the Gap as the Victorian Government’s formal shared decision-making forum

DPC has continued to support the Partnership Forum as the Victorian Government’s formal shared decision-making forum for delivering commitments under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. This included supporting three meetings of the Partnership Forum in 2024–25.

In 2024–25, DPC continued working in partnership with Ngaweeyan Maar-oo to develop Victoria’s new Closing the Gap Implementation Plan. Due for release by mid-2026, the plan will outline coordinated, whole-of-government actions over the next five years to drive progress on Closing the Gap

Advanced Aboriginal self-determination and improved outcomes in line with commitments made by the Victorian Government

In 2024–25, DPC delivered the Victorian Government Aboriginal Affairs Report 2024, which considered how the government is tracking against commitments to improve outcomes for Aboriginal Victorians against the Victorian Aboriginal Affairs Framework, the Victorian Government Self-Determination Reform Framework and the Victorian Closing the Gap Implementation Plan 2021–2025.

Overall, performance against the Victorian Aboriginal Affairs Framework remains mixed with outcomes improving significantly against some measures, but remaining stable or worsening against others. Over the shorter term, 23 measures improved, 23 worsened and 16 were stable - 28 measures did not have updated data available and 21 were unable to be categorised. Over the longer term, 34 measures improved, 25 worsened and 4 were stable - 28 measures did not have updated or comparative data available and 11 were unable to be categorised.

Prepared to embark on the next phase of the landmark Treaty process and commence Treaty negotiations with First Peoples in Victoria

In 2024–25, the State and the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria (Assembly) have continued to make significant progress towards Treaty in Victoria, building on the strong foundations of the Treaty Authority, the Self-Determination Fund and the Treaty Negotiation Framework.

The Victorian Government and the Assembly made history on 21 November 2024 with the opening of negotiations for Australia’s first Treaty, marked with a ceremony at Darebin Parklands on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country.

Since November, the Assembly and the Victorian Government have made significant progress towards a Statewide Treaty agreement. The Victorian Government is represented at the negotiation table by senior Department of Premier and Cabinet executives. Negotiations have focused on achieving practical change and securing a foundation for Treaty in Victoria that recognises a renewed relationship between the State of Victoria and its First Peoples.

In May 2025, the Dja Dja Wurrung Traditional Owner Group became the first group registered on the Treaty Negotiations Database, marking progress towards the beginning of local Traditional Owner Treaty negotiations.

The Victorian Government is committed to the transparency of the Treaty process and, with the Assembly, has issued Joint Statements to update the public on Statewide Treaty negotiations. In 2024–25, the Victorian Government hosted 13 Treaty Information sessions with more than 750 local leaders across the State to build understanding and awareness about Treaty. A new Treaty Victoria website has been launched to provide information about Victoria’s Treaty. This can be accessed at: www.treatyvictoria.vic.gov.au

Recognised the achievements of Aboriginal Victorians through Aboriginal cultural events and awards

In 2024–25, the Victorian Government supported the delivery of significant First Nations cultural events and awards. Key initiatives included the Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll, recognising nine First Nations leaders for their contributions to the State; the Victorian Aboriginal Remembrance Service, honouring First Nations servicemen and women; the Ricci Marks Awards recognising the achievements and aspirations of four young First Nations award recipients; and the NAIDOC State Reception, celebrating First Peoples’ achievements.

The Victorian Government also supported the Victorian NAIDOC Committee to deliver a range of events for NAIDOC Week, including the Victorian NAIDOC Awards, NAIDOC Flag Raising Ceremony, NAIDOC Pride event, NAIDOC March and the NAIDOC Gala Ball. NAIDOC week 2025 marked a milestone of 50 years of honouring and elevating First Nations’ voices, culture, history, and resilience.

Output: Traditional owner engagement and cultural heritage management programs

Drove and supported strong cultural heritage management and protection under Victoria’s Aboriginal cultural heritage system

In 2024–25, DPC continued to support the protection and management of Victoria’s Aboriginal cultural heritage. DPC administers the regulatory, enforcement and approval processes of the cultural heritage management system under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006.

The following statutory activities were delivered in 2024–25:

• recorded 1,005 Aboriginal places on the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Register, bringing the number of Aboriginal places recorded to more than 42,000
• made decisions on 35 cultural heritage management plans and six amendments to plans prepared in parts of Victoria where Traditional Owners have not been formally recognised
• issued 11 cultural heritage permits
• made decisions on 88 preliminary Aboriginal heritage tests, providing developers and land users with certainty about whether a cultural heritage management plan is required for a proposed activity.

In 2024–25 DPC also supported cultural heritage management by:

• Supporting Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs) to carry out their functions under the Aboriginal Heritage Act, including delivering:

  - several GIS training sessions for RAPs across the state

  - Sixteen capacity development projects to Traditional Owner organisations to support their protection and management of cultural heritage

  - training in identifying and recording archaeological sites and Aboriginal cultural places

  - a stone tool identification workshop, providing Aboriginal participants with the skills to identify and record Aboriginal stone tools and artefacts.

• Delivering the Certificate IV in Cultural Heritage Management through a partnership with La Trobe University and administering two workshops with Aboriginal people interested in pursuing a career in Aboriginal cultural heritage management.
• Supporting two RAP forums, providing RAPs with opportunities to share knowledge and improve protection outcomes for Aboriginal cultural heritage across the state. DPC also continued to provide advice and support to RAPs carrying out their duties under the Aboriginal Heritage Act

DPC has undertaken its enforcement and compliance responsibilities during the reporting period. This included:

• completing 166 investigations into reports of non-compliance with the Aboriginal Heritage Act across Victoria
• one prosecution for harming Aboriginal cultural heritage and supporting the regulatory agency in issuing two fines for interference with an archaeological site (being an Aboriginal place).

Other activities in 2024–25 under this initiative included:

• supporting Traditional Owners and government to protect Aboriginal cultural heritage at the landscape level through the Strategic Aboriginal Heritage Assessment program
• driving a proactive enforcement and compliance strategy, preventing the occurrence of offences under the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2006 and supporting improved ongoing compliance and protection of Aboriginal cultural heritage
• supporting Traditional Owners to better protect Victoria’s most significant Aboriginal cultural heritage places, such as progressing the development of Ongoing Protection Declarations at significant Victorian cultural landscapes, as well as the ongoing management of places with existing Ongoing Protection Declarations.

Supported non-formally recognised Traditional Owner groups to access the independent legal and research services required to gain recognition and activate rights

In 2024–25, DPC continued to work with First Nations Legal and Research Services (FNLRS) and Traditional Owners to achieve legal recognition and prepare for Treaty negotiations. The agreement gives effect to the commitment of the 2023–24 State Budget initiative — Traditional Owner Formal Recognition Support Services — and enables forward planning by FNLRS in this important work. The agreement focuses FNLRS’ support for Traditional Owners in four areas of Victoria without any legal recognition — mid north-west, central north, northeast and far east Gippsland.

Supported the Minister for Treaty and First Peoples to respond to native title claims made in the Federal Court of Australia

In 2024–25, the State of Victoria was the first respondent to the following native title determination applications in the Federal Court:

• Boonwurrung
• Eastern Maar/Gunditjmara (Area C claim)
• First Peoples’ Millewa-Mallee
• Wamba Wemba
• Wadawurrung
• Dhudhuroa, Waywurru and Ngurai Illum.

Negotiated and implemented agreements between the State and Traditional Owner Groups, under the Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010

In 2024–25, DPC continued work to implement four existing Recognition and Settlement Agreements (RSAs) under the Traditional Owner Settlement Act with Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung, Gunaikurnai and the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagulk People of the Wotjobaluk Traditional Owners.

RSAs seek to formally acknowledge the rights of Traditional Owners and establish a framework for the settlement of land and natural resource claims outside the court system.

In 2024–25, DPC continued negotiations to enhance the RSAs with:

• the Gunaikurnai People
• Dja Dja Wurrung People
• Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagulk People.

DPC continued negotiations for an RSA with the Eastern Maar People.

Additionally, DPC commenced preparatory work to commence RSA negotiations with the Gunditjmara people.

Led the implementation of the government’s response to the First Principles Review recommendations to deliver on Traditional Owners’ aspirations in relation to land, waters and natural resources under the Traditional Owner Settlement Act

In 2024–25, DPC led the government’s response
to the First Principles Review of the Traditional Owner Settlement Act. DPC convened an interdepartmental committee to consider the policy reform, legislative reform, stakeholder engagement and financial impact analysis required to advance implementation of the 29 Review recommendations supported in full or
in principle by the Victorian Government.

In 2024, DPC entered into a $0.374 million funding agreement with the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria to partner with the Victorian Government on implementation of the Review. The Assembly convened the First Principles Review Implementation Committee, with a membership of Traditional Owners and staff from Traditional Owner Corporations, to advise on key products and provide collective Traditional Owner oversight of the state’s implementation of Review recommendations.

Led the whole-of-government response to the Yoorrook Justice Commission, the nation’s first truth-telling inquiry into historic and ongoing systemic injustices committed against Aboriginal Victorians since colonisation

In 2024–25, DPC continued to play a central role in coordinating whole-of-government engagement with, and response to, the Yoorrook Justice Commission (the Commission). The Commission concluded on 24 June 2025 with the delivery of its final report to the Governor and the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria. DPC supported the state’s commitment to genuine, transparent, and proactive engagement with the Commission, including by:

• Leading the development of the Victorian Government Implementation Progress Report: Yoorrook for Justice. Released in October 2024, this report outlined the actions the Victorian Government took in response to Yoorrook for Justice, and its 46 recommendations, to address systemic injustice in the criminal justice and child protection systems.

• Provision of information to the Commission between September 2024 and April 2025, including by:

  - supporting the production of 76 documents in response to 13 Notices to Produce issued by the Commission

  - providing secretariat support to coordinate the state’s response to the Commission through a whole-of government working group and interdepartmental committee, including members of all departments and Victoria Police.

• Supporting the development and passage of the Inquiries Amendment (Yoorrook Justice Commission Records and Other Matters) Act 2025 to empower the Commission to declare records of First Peoples’ evidence it received as closed or restricted from public access for 99 years. The legislation enabled the Commission to ensure that First Peoples’ choices about access to and use of their personal evidence will continue to be upheld after the end of the Commission. The Act passed the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2024 and the Legislative Council on 18 February 2025 and received Royal Assent on 25 February 2025.
• Coordinating the State’s procedural fairness review of the Commission’s third interim report and final report.
• Working closely with the Commission to plan and coordinate arrangements for a Parliamentary Reception to celebrate the work of the Commission and the conclusion
  of its inquiry.

The Commission delivered its final interim report, Yoorrook for Transformation, and its final report, Truth be Told, to the Governor and First Peoples’ Assembly in June 2025. Yoorrook for Transformation contains 100 recommendations for reform relating to land, education, housing, access to records, health, and economic and political life. Truth be Told contains an official public record based on First Peoples’ experiences of systemic injustice since the start of colonisation in Victoria. DPC will be coordinating a state response to the Commission’s final reports.

Supported First Peoples organisations to build, repair, refurbish or expand community infrastructure

In 2024–25, the Victorian Government made 21 grants to First Nations organisations through the Aboriginal Community Infrastructure Program (ACIP) worth a total of $11.23 million (excl. GST).

The ACIP supported 15 First Peoples organisations in 2024–25 to complete construction works or planning activities under the ‘Repairs and minor works’, ‘Capital works and upgrades’ and ‘Project Planning’ categories.

Examples of completed capital works and upgrades and repairs and minor works projects in 2024–25 include:

1. Ngwala Willumbong Aboriginal Corporation $1.6 million

Ngwala Willumbong Aboriginal Corporation constructed a new communal facility at its Yitjawudik Men’s Recovery Centre in Toolamba
to support the delivery of alcohol and other drug services. The facility includes gathering spaces for clients and families, a commercial kitchen and dining area, administrative and reception areas, and other amenities to support staff and outreach workers in delivering services.

2. Winda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation $1.5 million

Winda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation’s health service redevelopment constructed an integrated health service facility in Heywood to provide culturally safe health services for the local First Nations community. The new facility includes general practice, nurse and treatment stations, and consulting spaces for specialists to provide mental health and wellbeing, optometry and other health services.

3. Bunjilwarra Youth Healing Service $1.45 million

Bunjilwarra Youth Healing Service refurbished their culturally safe residential facility to better meet the needs of the young people in their care. The refurbishment expanded a creative arts learning space, including new activities rooms, and remodelled the layout of the administration building to create functional, dedicated spaces for staff and case workers. Bunjilwarra is delivered as a partnership between the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service and Youth Support and Advocacy Service.

4. Bendigo and District Aboriginal Cooperative $0.286 million

Bendigo and District Aboriginal Cooperative’s ‘Bringing our Spiritual Home Back to Life’ project included restoring verandahs and footings, replacement of windows with double glazing, levelling the internal courtyard, installation of new decking and reviving existing garden beds with native plantings. The suite of upgrades has made the facility more appealing and welcoming, and better meets the cultural expectations of the community.

In addition, in 2024–25, seven First Peoples organisations commenced construction on projects and five First Peoples organisations commenced project planning activities. The ACIP team within Local Government Victoria in DGS (which administers ACIP grants on DPC’s behalf), conducted 38 site visits to meet with grant recipients and inspect their infrastructure projects at various stages of development.

Delivered the Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence in accordance with self-determined decision-making processes

The Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence was officially opened in August 2024 by the Minister for Treaty and First Peoples and the Parliamentary Secretary. The centre delivers First Peoples-led education, employment, health and wellbeing programs. Located in the Shepparton Sports Precinct and featuring the Aboriginal flag on its roof, the campus celebrates First Nations culture and knowledge, and demonstrates self-determination in action, with Elders and the local community leading every stage of its design and development.

The project was the largest ever awarded by the Victorian Government to a First Peoples-owned and operated company, TVN On-Country. The Victorian Government invested $30.2 million, alongside a $6.65 million University of Melbourne contribution. During construction, the project exceeded eight social procurement targets, created 12 new jobs, and provided expanded opportunities for First Peoples.

Since its opening the project has won multiple awards:

• Australian Institute of Architecture, 2025 Victorian Architecture Award for Education
• Australian Institute of Architecture, 2025 Victorian Architecture Regional Prize
• Australian Institute of Landscape Architecture, 2025 Victorian Landscape Architecture Award for Health and Education Landscapes
• Architecture Australia, 2025 Award for Social Impact
• Master Builders Victoria, 2025 Northern Region Commercial Builder of the Year award for commercial projects over $20 million.

It has also been shortlisted for the 2025 World Architecture Festival and featured in Architecture Australia, Australia’s most widely read and highly respected architectural magazine, capturing Australian architecture for over 100 years.

Supported self-governance and self-determination at the Lake Tyers and Framlingham Aboriginal Trusts

The Aboriginal Lands Act 1970 grants freehold title over two former reserves — Framlingham and Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trusts. The Minister for Treaty and First Peoples has administration responsibility for the Act.

In 2024–25, the government invested $10.2 million (ex GST) to support essential services at the Trusts including:

• Continuing operations and the provision of municipal and essential services. This investment supports the delivery of municipal and essential services to satisfy the basic human rights of the trusts’ residents, including access to clean drinking water, maintenance of roads, bushfire management, and routine waste management.
• Commencing work upgrading wastewater infrastructure at the Framlingham Aboriginal Trust and replacing the jetty at Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust.