After years of yarning and planning with Aboriginal communities across the state, the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria said it is close to agreeing on the priorities and key concepts it will take into the first round of Treaty negotiations.
Assembly Co-chair, Gunditjmara man, Rueben Berg, said the wide range of ideas and feedback received would provide a strong foundation for the historic discussions with the Victorian Government.
“We’ve had the yarns and worked with all our mobs to find the common-ground and identify the shared needs and aspirations. Now we’re trying to distil all the concepts into tangible and practical ideas that will improve the lives of our people and deliver lasting improvements for our communities,”
Rueben Berg.
Negotiations between the Assembly and the Government about the first Statewide Treaty are due to begin by the end of the year in keeping with the Treaty Negotiation Framework agreed to in 2022 and the related legislation passed by the Victorian Parliament.
Mr Berg said Treaty will ensure Aboriginal communities can use local knowledge to come up with practical solutions on a range of topics – from caring for land and keeping culture strong to improving the way services like health and education are delivered.
“We know that people thrive when they can make choices about what works best for them and their families based on their own needs and experiences. So what unites all the ideas we’re discussing, is the simple principle that decisions about Aboriginal communities, should be made by Aboriginal people,”
Rueben Berg.
Assembly Co-chair, Wamba Wamba, Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung and Dhudhuroa woman, Ngarra Murray, said in addition to expanding the roles and responsibilities of the Assembly, the first Statewide Treaty would be an opportunity to deliver upfront some practical outcomes for Aboriginal communities.
“We’ve heard a number of important ideas. Given our lower life expectancy rates, I really love the idea of an Elders Retirement Fund to make sure our Elders can enjoy their retirement with dignity. Likewise, creating a Cultural Fire Authority to help care for Country is an idea worth exploring,”
Ngarra Murray
The Assembly has published an overview of key themes that Aboriginal communities have raised over the years and is asking for further feedback and ideas.
“This has very much been a community-driven journey. It’s from the ground up. Treaty is about making sure Aboriginal communities can use their strengths, knowledge and expertise to come up with solutions at a local level,”
Ngarra Murray.
