Treaty milestone in Victoria: What It means for ECEC services and communities

The finalisation of Treaty negotiations in Victoria marks a historic and transformative moment, not only for First Peoples but also for the broader community, including those working in early childhood education and care (ECEC).

On 10 October 2025, the Victorian Government announced that negotiations with the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria had concluded, laying the groundwork for the state’s first Treaty framework. The agreement paves the way for formal treaties with Aboriginal communities and Traditional Owners, recognising sovereignty and strengthening self-determination.

For the ECEC sector, this milestone carries important implications for practice, pedagogy, cultural inclusion and sector-wide accountability.

The national learning frameworks, Belonging, Being and Becoming and the Early Years Learning Framework, position cultural competence and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures as foundational to quality early learning. Treaty provides further momentum for services to deepen their engagement with First Nations perspectives and ensure these are authentically woven into programs, practice and environments.

Treaty validates the importance of truth-telling, place-based knowledge and the role of local Elders and communities in shaping how culture is represented and experienced in early years settings. Services can respond by actively partnering with Aboriginal community organisations, reflecting local stories and symbols, and fostering respectful curiosity among children and families.

Treaty is more than a legal or political process, it is a step towards justice and healing. For early learning settings, this reinforces the ongoing work of creating culturally safe and responsive environments, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.

Reconciliation within ECEC is not a one-off gesture, but a commitment to listening, learning and structural change. Embedding the principles of the Treaty, self-determination, equity, and respect – means going beyond tokenism and recognising the living cultures and contributions of First Nations peoples.

As the Treaty process progresses, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) will play an increasingly central role in service design, delivery and governance across early years systems. For ECEC providers, this presents opportunities to build and strengthen partnerships that are reciprocal, transparent and locally grounded.

Engaging with ACCOs, Aboriginal educators, cultural consultants and Traditional Owners can support services to:

• Co-design culturally relevant programming
• Increase the cultural capability of educators
• Review policies and practices through a First Nations lens
• Better support Aboriginal families and embed their voices in service governance

The finalisation of the Treaty also signals a shift in how education and care services may be funded and held accountable. As First Nations voices are elevated in decision-making, policy frameworks and funding mechanisms will increasingly need to reflect the priorities and aspirations of Aboriginal communities.

For ECEC services, especially those in Victoria, this may involve changes to reporting, quality assurance, workforce development and family engagement processes. Being Treaty-ready means being proactive in aligning with emerging expectations around cultural integrity, co-governance and community-led practice.

The announcement of Victoria’s Treaty framework is an invitation to the ECEC sector to deepen its role as a partner in reconciliation, equity and cultural renewal. Services are encouraged to use this moment as a springboard for reflection, action and strengthened relationships with Aboriginal families and communities.

As the first state in Australia to formalise a Treaty negotiation process, Victoria sets a precedent that will likely influence national dialogue around early childhood policy, practice and systems reform. ECEC professionals, leaders and organisations have a unique role to play in ensuring that the rights, voices and cultures of First Nations peoples are honoured from the earliest years.