THE First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria last week welcomed the $138 million investment in the Treaty process over four years in the State Budget, with $82 million allocated directly to the Assembly.

Assembly Co-Chair and proud Nira illim bulluk man of the Taungurung Nation, Marcus Stewart, said that investment in the Treaty process shows the government understands that while statewide Treaty negotiations are expected to begin soon, the Treaty process requires a long-term commitment to ensure better outcomes for First Peoples.

“Treaty will restore our freedom and power as First Peoples to make the decisions that affect our mob, our culture and our Country. Having laid the foundations for Treaty-making, Treaty is now within our reach, but it must be done properly to make sure it delivers on its promise of improving our people’s lives,” Mr Stewart said.

“For Treaty to begin to undo the damage of over 230 years of colonisation, the process must be set up for success, and all mob must have the chance to be part of Treaty-making.

“This investment will further build the power of the Assembly and ensure it has the resources to reach out to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in every corner of the state and invite them to get involved in the journey to Treaty.”

The Assembly is currently holding its elections for its second term, after which it expects to begin statewide Treaty negotiations with the state government.

In its first term, the Assembly secured agreement on the three key pieces of Treaty architecture.

The search for the independent ‘umpires’ in Treaty Negotiations, the Treaty Authority Members, will begin shortly.

The Self-Determination Fund will help Traditional Owner groups become Treaty ready and enter negotiations with the Victorian Government on a level playing field.

Through the Fund, Traditional Owner groups will be able to seek the resources required to ensure they meet the standards set out in the Treaty Negotiation Framework, or ‘ground rules’ for Treaty-making in Victoria.

Voting in the Assembly Elections closes on June 3. Mr Stewart said the elections were mob’s opportunity to choose who will represent them in Treaty negotiations.

“I encourage all eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, aged 16 and over, to enrol and have their say in our elections. Your vote matters,” Mr Stewart said.

Learn more about the candidates and enrol and vote in the Assembly Elections at treatyelections.org