Wotjobaluk Nations enter Victoria Treaty negotiations register

The Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagulk people have formally entered Treaty negotiations with the State Government, joining the Victorian Treaty Authority’s Treaty Negotiations Register on Monday.

The registration recognises the Wotjobaluk Nations as ready to engage in talks to shape policies and solutions, including in health, housing and education.

Key Points

Treaty registration formalised

The Victorian Treaty Authority confirmed the Wotjobaluk Nations are now listed on the Treaty Negotiations Register. According to the authority, registration is a formal procedural step that verifies required minimum standards to begin talks have been met, enabling the next phase toward formal negotiations.

Registration allows the Wotjobaluk Nations to be recognised in negotiations intended to improve outcomes for community members across essential services. The move follows a unified community process and a public statement of priorities centred on culture, authority and self-determination.

“Treaty is important because it underpins the policies that impact first peoples and their families. For too long, laws and policies have been made about first peoples, without any input from first peoples.”

— Chris Harrison, BGLC chairperson

Community mandate and leadership

At a meeting in August last year, Wotjobaluk Nations native title holders unanimously voted for Barengi Gadjin Land Council to act as their Federal and State representative to enter into Treaty negotiations. BGLC chairperson Chris Harrison said Treaty was an opportunity to listen, learn, and affirm “the rightful place of first peoples as decision-makers of their own futures.”

Mr Harrison said the registration marked “a proud and deeply significant moment” for Wotjobaluk Nations people.

He said statewide Treaty matters cover issues affecting all Indigenous people in Victoria, while a local traditional owner treaty would address priorities specific to traditional owners in the Wotjobaluk Nations region. He added that Treaty would ensure traditional owners are fairly treated as rightsholders and further reinforce existing recognition.

BGLC will continue to engage closely with community throughout negotiations, according to the council. The organisation stated it will maintain dialogue with elders, community leaders and members as it prepares for the next stages.

Historical milestones and legacy

The Wotjobaluk Nations began preparing their Native Title claim in 1995. In 2005, they became the first traditional owners in south-eastern Australia to receive a positive Native Title Determination, a landmark that reshaped recognition of traditional owner rights in Victoria. Their Recognition and Settlement Agreement in 2022 further established a platform for the current Treaty pathway.

“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,” Mr Harrison said.

“What they achieved has changed the course of history in Victoria. From recognition of our Native Title in 2005 through to our Recognition and Settlement Agreement in 2022, and now looking to Treaty, we are continuing that legacy through building a future grounded in culture, authority and self-determination.”

He said Treaty was about walking forward together with the Wotjobaluk Nations and the broader First Nations community.

Next steps toward negotiations

With registration complete, the next step will be to formally notify the Victorian Treaty Authority of the intention to establish a Treaty delegation. This delegation will act as the representative body to lead negotiations on behalf of the Wotjobaluk Nations, consistent with the community mandate provided in 2025.