'Historic' treaty negotiations a step towards justice

Burned by decades of false dawns, Indigenous leaders are hopeful of reaching a statewide treaty with Victoria as negotiations begin.

A traditional smoking ceremony and speeches at Melbourne's Darebin Parklands on Thursday marked an official declaration the state government and First Peoples' Assembly were ready to enter statewide treaty talks.

Treaty was not just a document but a chance to reset relationships between Aboriginal people and the state, assembly co-chair Ngarra Murray said.

"This is not just a negotiation; it is a step towards justice," the Wamba Wamba, Yorta Yorta, Dhudhuroa and Dja Dja Wurrung woman told the crowd.

"This treaty is not just about righting past wrongs; it is about peace and healing.

"By reckoning with the past together, we can move forward together."

The negotiations are expected to begin in coming days and will be overseen by a legislated independent umpire.

It will be the first time a state or federal Australian government has sat down to broker a treaty with Aboriginal people.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said it was a historic day after the government began working towards a treaty in 2016.

"For decades, governments around the world - be they in the United States, in Canada, in New Zealand - have had treaties with their First Peoples and it's been shown to drive better outcomes," she told reporters

"We need to change, we need to listen, we need to close the gap, and it's not happening now."

Assembly co-chair Rueben Berg said there was no firm deadline to wrap up talks but felt a sense of urgency to deliver for Indigenous elders.

He did not outline specific items on the assembly's treaty wishlist, but school curriculum changes, a public holiday celebrating Aboriginal culture and early access to seniors cards are among the ideas being floated.

"Some things are going to have to happen behind closed doors," the Gunditjmara man said.

"This is a negotiation between the state and the assembly but we'll make sure there's opportunities for our community to hear what's happening and the broader community to ... follow along.

"This is something all Victorians should be celebrating."

Ms Allan would not rule any proposals in or out but said the subject matter of initial discussions would be made public.

If and when an agreement is struck, legislation must pass both houses of state parliament for the treaty to be ticked off.

The state opposition withdrew its support for treaty in January following the failed national voice to federal parliament referendum, citing concerns about cultural heritage laws.

Opposition Leader John Pesutto suggested a treaty would not address Indigenous disadvantage and demanded the premier be up front with Victorians.

"I do believe it's incumbent on Jacinta Allan, at all stages now, to take the Victorian people in her confidence and make sure all Victorians, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, understand what's being negotiated, what's on the table and what's not on the table," he said.

Mr Pesutto wants a final agreement put to the Victorian people, not just parliament.

"A change of this magnitude does require, I think, a public mandate," he said.

Ms Allan argued the state Labor government's commitment to truth and treaty was on the ballot in 2018 and 2022.

The newly elected Queensland Liberal-National government ended the state's truth-telling inquiry in late October.