History has been made as the Advancing the Treaty Process with Aboriginal Victorians Bill 2018 passed through the lower house of Victorian Parliament.
It is the first time legislation committing to treaty negotiations has been considered by an Australian parliament.
The legislation was passed on Thursday after several amendments were made, including the establishment of an Elders Council, the specification of 'Traditional Owners', and that the appointed Victorian Treaty Advancement Commissioner must be an Aboriginal Victorian.
"It has been a very big achievement for the Aboriginal community here in Victoria to be able to get a piece of legislation through the parliament that says we recognise you, we want to hear from you, and we want you at the table to negotiate treaty," Aboriginal affairs minister Natalie Hutchins told NITV News.
