Voting has officially opened to help establish representatives for the First People’s Assembly of Victoria, with voting for nominations taking place until October 20.
The First People’s Assembly of Victoria will be an independent and culturally strong organisation made up of traditional owners elected by Aboriginal people in Victoria. The organisation will be independent of the government and will be the voice of Aboriginal people in Victora in the future treaty process.
Currently, Australia is the only developed commonwealth nation that doesn’t have a treaty with its Indigenous people. Calls for a treaty refer to a formal agreement between the government and Indigenous people that would have legal outcomes. A treaty in Australia could recognise the history and prior occupation of this land, as well as the injustices, which may have endured.
Treaties are accepted around the world as a way of reaching a settlement between Indigenous people and those who have colonised their lands.
Nine candidates have been announced in the north east Victoria region: Geraldine Atkinson, Professor Henry Atkinson, Matthew Atkinson, Natarsha Bamblett, Michael Harding, Gregory James, Damien Kindred/Saunders, Leanne Miller and Stephen J Walsh. Details of all nominated candidates can be found at www.firstpeoplesvic.org/your-candidates
To enrol or vote for candidates, visit www.firstpeoplesvic.org/vote/
