Victoria's Treaty Promotion Costs Exceed Half a Million Dollars in 2024
The Victorian government has discreetly channeled over half a million dollars into promoting the state's Treaty negotiations, according to newly released figures. Data from the Department of Premier and Cabinet reveals that the Andrews-Allan governments expended more than $536,000 in 2024 on publicity, events, and promotional materials linked to the Treaty process. This expenditure supplements the hundreds of millions already committed to Treaty-related initiatives since 2016.
Ceremonial and Promotional Expenses Detailed
One of the most substantial costs was the $157,604 opening ceremony held at Darebin Parklands in November 2024. This event, which marked the formal commencement of negotiations, featured a smoking ceremony, catering, portable toilets, and temporary infrastructure. Attendees included Premier Jacinta Allan, senior ministers, First Peoples' Assembly co-chair Rueben Berg, and then-Treaty Minister Natalie Hutchins. The government hailed it as a pivotal milestone in Victoria's pursuit of a statewide Treaty.
However, this ceremony constituted only a portion of the broader financial outlay. Documents indicate that $275,299 was allocated to a public messaging campaign designed to inform Victorians about the Treaty and elucidate the negotiation procedures. An additional $62,792 funded the creation and maintenance of the Treaty website, while $38,901 covered consultation sessions with local councils.
Political Criticism and Broader Financial Context
Victorian One Nation MLC Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell condemned the spending as both predictable and disgraceful. 'The revelation that the Allan Government has spent over half a million dollars on the Treaty process is as unsurprising as it is sickening,' Tyrrell stated. 'Treaty is nothing more than a costly, symbolic bureaucracy that will do nothing to improve the lives of Indigenous Victorians.' Tyrrell further contended that the government is advancing a process lacking majority public support, arguing that funds should be redirected to address the state's escalating debt, which accrues approximately $1 million per hour in interest.
The latest disclosures have intensified scrutiny of Victoria's comprehensive Treaty expenditures. According to the Institute of Public Affairs, a conservative think tank, the state has dedicated $776.2 million to Treaty development since 2016, with an additional $100.6 million budgeted for the 2026 financial year. The most recent budget also includes $35.7 million for traditional owner engagement and cultural heritage programs.
Government Defense and Bureaucratic Scale
An Allan government spokesman previously criticized the think tank's analysis as 'cherry-picked' and aligned with the Liberal Party. 'If you listen to the people directly affected by policies, you get better outcomes — that's common sense,' the spokesman asserted. 'Treaty is about making a better and fairer state for all Victorians — negotiations are underway and we look forward to bringing Treaty to the Parliament.'
The scale of the associated bureaucracy is becoming increasingly apparent. Between July 2016 and June 2025, public servants conducted 727 meetings on Treaty development. Projections suggest this number will rise to 968 by June 2026, averaging nearly 100 meetings annually over a decade, or roughly one meeting every two to three business days.
Opposition and Community Perspectives
Opposition MPs argue that the government is overemphasizing symbolism, while community groups advocate for diverting funds to frontline services rather than ceremonies, consultants, and marketing. The government maintains that the investment is essential for enhancing long-term outcomes for Aboriginal communities, though critics warn that spending has become excessive amidst rising state debt.
Victoria entered Treaty territory last year as the first Australian jurisdiction to legislate a permanent First Peoples' Assembly, to be known as Gellung Warl. This assembly will wield significant influence over government policy, with access to decision-making across multiple departments. Elections for the new body are scheduled for April, and members will receive a base salary of $197,683—more than double the $96,946 paid to previous term members overseeing Treaty negotiations.
Government Justification and Communication Strategy
A Victorian government spokesperson defended the expenditures, stating, 'Families are better off when they have responsibility over their lives and Aboriginal families are no different. Treaty makes sense because it gives Aboriginal people a say in how their services are run – it doesn't take anything away from anyone, it's about improving services and lives.' The spokesperson added that public communication products, including a website, social media content, videos, and a regular newsletter, ensure all Victorians can access information about the Treaty.
