Over the weekend (21 – 22 Feb 2026) in Naarm more than 350 First Nations leaders, Elders, and advocates renewed their call for the federal government to commit to a national treaty and truth-telling process, whilst criticising states and territories they say remain hostile to the idea.

In an open letter from organisers of the Together for Treaty National Summit — hosted by Common Threads, a First Nations-led organisation — the leaders praised Victoria for its Treaty process, finalised last year, and urged the Prime Minister to begin a “unifying federal-level Treaty and truth-telling process,” which they describe as “critical”.

They argued while state treaties are important, many decisions affecting First Peoples — including those relating to Country, water, climate and cultural heritage — sit with the federal government.

“Without a federal process, responsibility is fragmented and recognition remains inconsistent,” the letter reads.