Priority area
Equal Footing Funding
Equal Footing funding has five phases. Currently, Phases 1, 2, and 3 are open to Traditional Owner Groups in Victoria.
Equal footing - APPLICATIONS OPEN
The Self-Determination Fund is actively progressing Equal Footing Funding across all five phases of the funding pathway.
Equal Footing Funding supports Traditional Owner Groups and family groups to build the capability, structure, and position required to negotiate with the State on equal footing.
We are currently:
assessing new applications entering the funding pathway
progressing existing groups through funding phases
reviewing milestone submissions and releasing payments
Five Equal Footing funding phases
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Phase 1<br/><br/>Forming Traditional Owner Treaty Aspirations<br/><br/>
Outcome:
A Traditional Owner Group has decided whether (or not) to proceed with the Traditional Owner Treaty process and take the first formal step under the Treaty Negotiation Framework. -
Phase 2<br/><br/>Getting Onto the Negotiations Register<br/><br/>
Outcome:
A Traditional Owner Group has been entered onto the Negotiations Register. -
Phase 3<br/><br/>Entering Traditional Owner Treaty NEgotiations
Outcome:
A First Peoples’ Treaty Delegation has been formed and entered onto the Negotiations Register, and the State has been invited to begin Traditional Owner Treaty negotiations. -
Phase 4<br/><br/>Conducting Traditional Owner Treaty Negotiations
Outcome:
Traditional Owner Treaty terms have been agreed between the First Peoples’ Treaty Delegation and the State. -
Phase 5<br/><br/>Formalising Traditional Owner Treaty<br/><br/>
Outcome:
Agreement between the parties has been formalised.
How to apply for funding
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Contact us
The first step is to contact us via email.
We will then set up a meeting with you to discuss the funding phase your Traditional Owner Group is exploring and provide you with important information about the funding purposes and criteria.
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Complete and submit application form
Applications and supporting documentation can be submitted at any time to this email.
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Internal assessment of application
Once received, applications are assessed through Trustee Board processes. Applicants and funded groups will be contacted directly with outcomes, next steps, and any reporting requirements.
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Board decision on application
The Trustee Board will consider and make a decision on your application at a scheduled Board meeting.
As soon as practicable after a Board meeting, we will contact you to advise you of the Board’s decision and let you know what the next steps are.
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Support for your application
Our team is available to provide guidance on eligibility, phase progression, and milestone requirements.
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For further information
Please see our Equal Footing Funding Guidelines for full details of the application and assessment process.
Contact us
If your Traditional Owner Group would like to explore Equal Footing funding to assist in the Traditional Owner Treaty process, please click the button below to get in touch with us.