Vote counting has now concluded for the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria’s North East By-election, with Travis Morgan confirmed as the successful candidate.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living in the North East region of Victoria headed to the polls over a four week By-election from late February, to choose their next Member who would represent them during the Treaty process.
With votes now counted and the successful candidate announced, a mandatory 14-day period needs to pass prior to the formal admission of the newest Assembly Member by the Board.
That Member with join the elected Assembly, who are all Traditional Owners of Country in Victoria, tasked with establishing the foundations for future Treaty-making with the State Government.
Travis Morgan is a descendent of the Yorta Yorta and Wemba Wemba peoples and grew up within the strong Aboriginal community of Echuca. He is prepared to ensure North East Community voices are included in the Treaty framework.
“I’d like to sincerely thank the Aboriginal community in the North East for taking the time to vote for me and having the confidence in me to listen and give voice to the issues that they raise. I look forward to getting around and having a yarn with people.”
Marcus Stewart, Assembly Co-Chair and proud Nira illum bulluk man of the Taungurung nation congratulated Travis and thanked the other candidates for nominating.
“Today we’re pleased to congratulate Travis Morgan on his success in the By-election. It’s a privilege to be able to sit in this position and represent our communities and I know our new Member will work hard to ensure Community voices from the North East are heard on the journey to Treaty,” he said.
“Our thanks go out to the other candidates who put their hand up for this role. It’s not easy to stand up and be willing to lead, especially on this kind of work that’s never been done before in Australia. Keep participating in this process as much as you can, because we need your passion and your leadership.”
Fellow Assembly Co-Chair and Bangerang and Wiradjuri woman Aunty Geraldine Atkinson, herself an elected Member from the North East region, acknowledged the North East Community for participating in this process.
“I’m proud of our North East Community for such a strong voter turn-out. Treaty is our chance to take back control and put our people in the driver’s seat. To do that, we need to join together and show government that we’ve got strength in numbers. This is history-making work we’re doing and each of us has a role to play.”
The North East By-election was called to fill a vacant seat left by former Member Nartarsha Bamblett who stepped down last year.
For media enquiries and further information, please contact us.