The First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria and Victorian Government have announced the panel that will select the people to serve on an independent body that will resolve any disputes to arise from Treaty negotiations.
The Treaty Authority will ensure all parties meet the standards and follow the rules set by the Treaty Negotiation Framework for Treaty negotiations.
The assembly said, when appointed, the authority would be led by five First Peoples, with state legislation ensuring its independence and it sitting outside the normal government bureaucracy, and its funding insulated from the usual budget and electoral cycles.
The panel jointly appointed by the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria and the Victorian Government, which will decide the first five members of the authority, is made up of:
- Aunty Vicki Clark, Mutthi Mutthi and Wemba Wamba Elder.
- Dr Eddie Cubillo, Larrakia, Wadjigan and Central Arrente man and the associate dean and director of the Indigenous Law and Justice Hub at Melbourne Law School.
- Marcus Clarke, Gunditjmara-Kirrae Whurrong man and Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation chief executive.
- Karinda Taylor, Wamba Wamba woman and First Peoples’ Health and Wellbeing chief executive.
- Richard Wynne, formerly the State Member for Richmond and formerly the Minister for Planning, Minister for Housing and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs.
Assembly co-chair and proud Nira illim bulluk man of the Taungurung Nation Marcus Stewart said the panel had an important task ahead of it.
“It’s important that Treaty is done in a way that respects and understands our way of doing things,” he said.
“That’s why the Treaty Authority will be an institution grounded in our cultural authority, lore and law, and why the panel needs to find the right people, who are respected and trusted by our community.”
Treaty and First Peoples Minister Gabrielle Williams said the recruitment of Treaty Authority members was a vital part of the Treaty process.
“The establishment of the panel is another important step on Victoria’s path to Treaty, with the Treaty Authority to commence operations later this year, which will allow Treaty negotiations to begin,” she said.
The selection process for Treaty Authority members will open soon, with appointments expected in the second half of 2023.