The First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria says it is close to reaching an agreement with the state government that will allow Treaties to be negotiated with Traditional Owners.
The Assembly is an elected body of Traditional Owners, which is representing First Nations people in Victoria in the current stage of the Treaty process.
One of its co-chairs and Bangerang and Wiradjuri Elder Aunty Geraldine Atkinson has told the Assembly’s Treaty Day Out concert on Dja Dja Wurrung Country in Bendigo that it is “on the cusp” of a key agreement with the government.
“When you think of how long our people have been asking for this opportunity, it’s amazing that here we are. Treaty finally within reach,” she said on Saturday, October 1.
“It shows what can be done when we work together constructively. When we think of what is best for our people. When we focus on building collective structures so our people will always have the power to protect our culture and our Country and we can all get on with strengthening our communities.”
The agreement Aunty Geraldine referred to includes the Treaty Negotiation Framework and the Self-Determination Fund, which are the last two pieces of Treaty-making architecture that need to be put in place during the Assembly’s first term and before negotiations over Treaties between the government and Traditional Owners can take place.
Elections will then be held next year to allow First Peoples in Victoria to choose who will negotiate a statewide Treaty with the Victorian Government, while Traditional Owners will form delegations to negotiate separate Treaties relating to their particular areas.
Aunty Geraldine said she was confident an agreement would be reached this month before the government entered caretaker mode and the state election was held.
“It’s about the process of empowering you fellas, our Traditional Owners, our fellow Aboriginal Victorians, to start negotiating Treaty, as soon as next year,” Aunty Geraldine said.
“You know, people have asked, ‘What will Treaty get me? What’s it going to deliver?’ And you know what I say to them? ‘It will be up to you, because that’s self-determination, that’s you empowering your communities, that’s what Treaty is going to provide.’ It’s what we make it, so get involved.”
Around 3000 people attended the Treaty Day Out concert in Bendigo, which included an all-First Nations line-up, including prominent Yorta Yorta rapper Briggs from Shepparton.