First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria

The First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria^[1] is an independent and democratically elected body representing Traditional Owners and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Victoria, Australia. The Assembly is responsible for establishing the framework and ground rules to enable Traditional Owners to negotiate Treaties^[2] with the Victorian Government.^[3] Negotiations for the Statewide Treaty are currently underway.

Membership

The Assembly comprises 33 Members^[4] chosen by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities throughout Victoria. The inaugural election was held in October 2019.^[5] Elections are held every four years. The Assembly includes both general seats, filled by Members elected by communities in specific regions, and reserved seats for representatives from particular Traditional Owner groups. Any Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person who has lived in Victoria for at least three of the last five years is eligible to enroll with the Assembly.^[6]

Functions

The Assembly's primary function is to represent Victorian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Treaty negotiations with the Victorian Government.^[7] The Assembly negotiated the creation of the Yoorrook Justice Commission,^[8] an independent and formal truth-telling process into historical and ongoing injustices experienced by First Peoples in Victoria.^[3]

In July 2025, the Victorian government announced it would introduce legislation to make the assembly permanent, and establish it as an ongoing representative body that provides advice to government. The legislation would also enable the assembly to make decisions and rules about specific matters that directly impact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons in Victoria.^[9]

Elections and member lists

• 2019 Victorian First Peoples' Assembly election
• 2023 Victorian First Peoples' Assembly election