The First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria has elected two new co-chairs to lead the body into Treaty negotiations with the Andrews Government.
Wamba Wamba, Yorta Yorta, Dhudhuroa and Dja Dja Wurrung woman Ngarra Murray and Gunditjmara man Rueben Berg were elected to the key roles at the elected body, which represents Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in Victoria, during the first meeting of its second term in the Legislative Council Chamber of Parliament House on Wednesday, July 26.
The pair take up their positions at a crucial time in the Assembly’s history. During its second term, the Assembly will negotiate a statewide Treaty with the Victorian Government.
Both Ms Murray and Mr Berg served on the Assembly during its first term, Ms Murray as an elected representative of the metropolitan region and Mr Berg as a reserved seat holder representing the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation.
Ms Murray works in community development and human rights, and has led Oxfam Australia’s First Peoples programs for the past decade.
“History shows that real change comes from the people. Whether we’re realising our rights, fighting racism, or standing up for our Country, it is everyday people who are the original drivers of change, people like us,” she said.
“We must make sure that Treaty respects our rights, dignity and sovereignty as First Peoples, and leads to a healed and healthy country for all of us.”
Mr Berg is a trained architect and was previously a Commissioner for the Victorian Environment Water Holder and a member of the Heritage Council of Victoria.
“The journey to Treaty will empower us as First Peoples to make decisions about our lives, our communities, our lands and our waters,” he said.
“This is a turning point for our people, our state and our nation. Treaty will lead to a better future for our mob, one where we can go from surviving to thriving, and it will lead to a better future for all Victorians, where our remarkable cultures and languages are embraced, celebrated and embedded into everyday life.”
They take over from outgoing co-chairs Aunty Geraldine Atkinson and Marcus Stewart, who did not seek re-election to the Assembly.
In her farewell speech, Aunty Geraldine, a Bangerang and Wiradjuri woman, said it had been an honour to serve in the role.
“I will treasure the experience of working together with everyone,” she said.
“All things considered, I think we’ve done pretty well.”
A Nira illim bulluk man of the Taungurung Nation, Mr Stewart told the incoming Assembly that the inaugural members of the first term had laid the foundations and process for Treaty-making.
“While the inaugural Assembly has done the groundwork, it’s now over to you to make it a reality,” he said.
“We know our communities, we have the solutions, we just need the ability to make the decisions ourselves, and that’s what Treaty will deliver.”