The Victorian government and First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria have reached an in-principle agreement on Australia’s first Treaty.

The government introduced the Statewide Treaty Bill into the Victorian Parliament last week.

It's an agreement that aims to bring together First Peoples, through the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, and the Victorian government, to build a new relationship based on respect, trust and integrity.

The bill proposes to make the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria permanent and expand its responsibilities to deliver better outcomes for First Peoples in the state.

It proposes the expanded assembly to:

• be led by democratically elected members providing representation of First Peoples;

• make decisions and rules about specific matters that directly impact First Peoples;

• Form an independent accountability mechanism as required by the National Agreement to Close the Gap;

• be consulted by government departments on laws and policies affecting First Peoples;

• lead ongoing truth-telling and healing across Victorian towns and regions, including capturing stories and retaining an archive of this information to support education of the broader public.

• make certain statutory appointments for existing designated First Peoples’ seats such as First Peoples appointments to the Heritage Council of Victoria;

• lead the Aboriginal Community Infrastructure Fund, Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll and NAIDOC Week; and

• develop a First Peoples’ Institute to enhance leadership capability across the sector.