Andrea Briggs, NLN First Nations Liaison Officer.
I recently attended the 2026 Victorian Landcare Forum, bringing together Landcare people from across Victoria to connect, learn and share ideas. It was great to see strong interest in First Nations matters throughout the Forum. With Treaty now in place in Victoria, it is a good time to share clear and factual information about what Treaty means for First Peoples, communities, Landcare groups and private landholders.
Treaty is an important step in the relationship between First Peoples and the State of Victoria. For Landcare, it is particularly relevant because our work happens on Country, caring for land, water and biodiversity on Country that First Peoples have cared for over countless generations.
To help people understand Treaty, NLN has developed a new Victoria’s Treaty resource, using information from official sources. It provides simple answers to common questions, including whether Treaty affects privately owned farms and homes, changes the Constitution, creates another chamber of Parliament, or introduces new taxes or individual financial reparations.
Providing clear information about Treaty is important, so that conversations are based on understanding and are respectful of First Peoples and the significance of Treaty.
For Landcare, building respectful relationships with First Peoples is an opportunity for learning but also means being willing to listen and have these conversations.
Questions are okay. Good information matters.
Yours in Landcare,
Andrea.