Traditional Owners of Country around the state have been encouraged to stand as candidates for the second term of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria.
Nominations opened on Monday, April 3 for Traditional Owners hoping to be elected to the Assembly, which represents Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the state’s Treaty process.
Assembly co-chair and proud Nira illim bulluk man of the Taungurung Nation Marcus Stewart said the foundations and process for Treaty-making were now in place and the next Assembly would be tasked with negotiating the actual statewide Treaty.
“This election is self-determination in action,” he said.
“If you’re a Traditional Owner, please consider putting your hand up to stand as a candidate to help make sure Treaty delivers tangible improvements for the lives of our people.
“Treaty won’t negotiate itself, we need people to stand up and represent our mob on this incredible journey.”
As well as negotiating a statewide Treaty, in its next term the Assembly will help Traditional Owner groups around Victoria negotiate individual Treaties that reflect their specific aspirations and priorities for their own Country and people.
Assembly co-chair and Bangerang and Wiradjuri Elder Aunty Geraldine Atkinson said the upcoming Assembly election was an opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to choose who they wanted to negotiate Treaty in Victoria.
“This is it. We’ve been fighting for this for generations,” she said.
“All our work has led to this moment where Treaty is finally within our reach. Now we need all mob to get behind the Assembly elections.
“Enrol with us, nominate if you’re keen, and most importantly, vote. Every vote counts, and everyone is invited to be part of this shared journey.”
Nominations are open from April 3 to 24, with voting to take place from May 13 to June 3. Voting is possible in person, online or by post.
Learn more about the Assembly elections at www.TreatyElections.org.