And if we are to achieve genuine equality for Aboriginal people, action must be led by Aboriginal people.
As we prepare to embark on the next phase of Victoria’s Treaty process, we’ll invest to support Aboriginal self-determination, Treaty and truth‑telling.
Through this Budget, $82 million will be provided to support the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria to prepare for and enter the historic Treaty negotiations.
This is a part of the $475 million investment we are making in our First Peoples through this Budget, which builds on the $1.5 billion we've invested to support Victoria’s Aboriginal community.
Other initiatives in this package include:
- $35 million to support 25 self‑determining Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations to strengthen workforce capacity to deliver more episodes of care to Aboriginal Victorians and meet Victoria’s commitment under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
- $17 million to improve justice outcomes for Aboriginal Victorians – implementing a regional hub model for Victorian Aboriginal Legal Services, enhancing Victoria Police’s Aboriginal Youth Cautioning Program in collaboration with Victorian Aboriginal communities, and investing in Aboriginal Community Justice Panels.
- $14 million to attract new and returning First Peoples into teaching degrees and government school teaching roles.
- $10 million to continue the Aboriginal Community Infrastructure Program to help advance employment and social and economic development opportunities for Aboriginal Victorians.
- $6.4 million to continue to support Traditional Owner corporations when negotiating a Recognition and Settlement Agreement package, ensuring Traditional Owner groups are able to negotiate on equal footing.
- $3.9 million to continue the First Nations Legal and Research Services, which supports Traditional Owners to prepare for Treaty negotiations and achieve formal recognition.
- $3.9 million for an Aboriginal‑led Early Parenting Centre that’s completely dedicated to Aboriginal families and children.
- $2.6 million to strengthen the Aboriginal Heritage Officer and the Budj Bim Cultural Landscape World Heritage Rangers programs, protecting and managing Aboriginal cultural heritage in Victoria.
- $1.4 million to deliver Aboriginal cultural events and awards, celebrating and remembering Victoria’s Aboriginal culture and history.
Reviewed 19 May 2023