It means ensuring First Peoples have a say over the programs and policies that impact them and their families – from their housing to their kids’ education to the practice of their culture.
Because when First Peoples make decisions for their families and communities, we see better results.
The Yoorrook Justice Commission is at the heart of Victoria’s commitment to truth and justice, and will hand down its final report in June this year.
The Commission's findings will help inform Treaty negotiations, which began in November 2024. Key areas of focus for statewide Treaty negotiations include structural measures to support reconciliation, truth, education and healing between First Peoples and non-Aboriginal Victorians.
With this Budget, we’re continuing our commitment to self-determination, with 11 Budget proposals developed either in partnership with or through community-led decision-making.
Self-determination in action
A further $167 million will support self-determined and culturally responsive services across health, education, housing and more. Investments include:
- $25 million to empower ACCOs to support and advocate for First Nations children and young people in the child protection and family services system.
- $18 million to pilot Aboriginal Community Controlled vocational education and training models, and grow the First Nations VET workforce.
- $18 million for First Nations-led diversion programs and legal services to reduce the over-representation of First Peoples in the criminal justice system.
- $16 million to enable ACCOs to support First Nations mums with culturally safe care during pregnancy and after their baby’s birth.
- $5.3 million for ACCOs to set up and run culturally responsive kindergartens and other early years services as part of our transformation of early childhood education.
We’re also investing $24 million to improve economic participation and prosperity for First Peoples – championing Aboriginal businesses, supporting emerging leaders and celebrating the world’s longest continuing culture, including:
- $5.6 million to support First Nations businesses to compete locally and globally, and funding to host the World Indigenous Business Forum in 2025.
- $5.4 million to extend the Aboriginal Community Infrastructure Program to build or upgrade community infrastructure, and for services to First Nations communities, with projects identified by Aboriginal organisations and communities.
- $4.9 million to create a First Peoples Leadership Academy, which will grow emerging leaders across business, government and communities.
- $3.8 million to support the Koorie Youth Council, Koorie Heritage Trust, as well as events and awards that honour and elevate First Nations culture and leadership.
- $2 million to back First Nations young and diverse talent, festivals and careers in the creative industries.
Caring for Country means respecting the deep and enduring connection between First Peoples and the lands, waters and skies they have cared for over countless generations.
With this Budget, we are investing $11 million to continue our commitment to walk alongside Traditional Owners, with:
- $8.4 million for the Yorta Yorta Traditional Owners to continue to jointly lead the management of their ancestral Country with the State.
- $1.5 million for the Wamba Wemba Aboriginal Corporation, to strengthen self-determination in First Peoples cultural heritage decisions.
- $1 million for Traditional Owner corporations to empower them to participate on an equal footing with the state in Traditional Owner Settlement Act negotiations.
Updated