Member for the Metropolitan region

Alister Thorpe

Gunai, Yorta Yorta, Gunditjmara and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung

I am a grassroots Aboriginal community member from the Gunai, Yorta Yorta, Gunditjmara, and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung nations. I pay respect to all traditional owners across this country, our ancestors, and our elders, past and present.

Through my family I have strong connections to many Aboriginal communities and I promise to always uphold my cultural and community obligations.

We have an amazing opportunity to negotiate treaties on our terms. We have created a treaty negotiation framework that promises to uphold and respect Aboriginal lore and protocols. Treaties must acknowledge our sovereignty, recognise our inherent rights to lands and waters, and hold Governments accountable for past injustices.

I am committed and accountable and bring my cultural values, experience, and knowledge to the Assembly. I will fight hard to ensure treaties fulfill the aspirations of our nations and benefit every family, community, clan and nation.

Inaugural Speech of the Assembly's Second Term