The assembly, which is the first democratically-elected body of Indigenous people in the state's history, met via a video conference late last week.

Bendigo and District Aboriginal Co-operative chief executive Raylene Harradine, who is an assembly member, said the work in developing a Treaty framework had been progressing slowly due to the pandemic.

Read more: First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria holds second meeting for Treaty discussions

"But it is very positive," she said. "For me, I'm there to do the work I was voted in to do. I am focused on that work."

Ms Harradine said the assembly met with Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Gabrielle Williams at the virtual meeting.

Ms Williams had previously met with the assembly co-chairs Geraldine Atkinson and Marcus Stewart to formally begin negotiations on the treaty making process.

In the meeting, the assembly and government discussed a range of issues including timelines for negotiations and an interim dispute resolution process.

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"I think she will be good to work with," Ms Harradine said. "We asked her a series of questions and it was really good to hear her responses."

Ms Harradine said the assembly's virtual meetings were beneficial for the assembly's regional members.

"I really like the fact that we're doing the meetings on these platforms," she said. "It has been a really different way of working but I have enjoyed not having to do all of the travelling.

"I find I am more engaged in the work and that I'm actually working more."

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