An Indigenous body has declared itself “ready” to negotiate a treaty with a state government despite Australians voting overwhelmingly no to the Voice referendum, which stalled a similar process nationally.
In its annual report, the First Assembly of the People of Victoria, made up of 33 elected Indigenous representatives, stated: “We are ready to negotiate a treaty” with the Victorian state government next month.
In addition to a State-level Treaty, there will be separate Traditional Owner Treaties in regions of Victoria to ensure “local knowledge can inform community-level decision-making”.
Although the Assembly said a negotiating report had not been finalized nor the powers of Aboriginal groups revealed, it made clear it expects to have substantial decision-making roles.
“We want a process and timeline to provide the Assembly with real decision-making powers on First Peoples matters,” the report says.
“It will be the mafia that will make decisions about the mafia.”
In addition, the Assembly will require an advisory role to the government on policies beyond those that primarily pertain to Aboriginal people.
“Where decisions are not primarily about the mob, but still impact us, we want the Assembly to be able to ensure Victorian government ministers and the public service receive advice directly from First Peoples,” the report says.
An annual report from the First Assembly of Peoples in Victoria says the indigenous body is ready to negotiate a treaty with the Victorian government.
Members of the First Victorian People’s Assembly, Rueben Berg (right) and Aunt Esme Bamblett
The Assembly will also seek “the power to hold the Victorian government to account for its promises and the ability to scrutinize policies, practices and services to ensure they live up to and meet the mob’s expectations”.
A treaty should also say how and when the recommendations of the “truth-telling” Yoorrook Justice Commission will be implemented.
Modeled after South Africa’s post-apartheid “Truth and Reconciliation” hearings, Yoorrook has the same powers as a royal commission and can subpoena documents and summon witnesses.
While it does not exercise judicial power, it can refer information about suspected crimes to law enforcement authorities.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allen gave public evidence to the Commission in April.
“The Prime Minister shared her reflections on how the state’s history had deliberately excluded the ‘bloodstains of colonization’ for too long,” the Assembly report states.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan says her government is fully committed to Treaty implementation
“He also reaffirmed the Government’s ‘unequivocal’ support for the Treaty.”
But the secrecy of the event alarmed shadow Indigenous Affairs Minister Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, who said it was “deeply worrying”.
“You can’t suggest that with these kinds of shady events behind closed doors and this inability to provide transparency, that this is actually going to be a true, democratic process, that is moving towards legislation in this process,” Senator Price told Sky. Political news commentator Peta Credlin.
The First People’s Assembly in Victoria is made up of 33 elected representatives from across the state.
Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price (pictured) described the behavior of the First People’s Assembly in Victoria at a treaty discussion event as “deeply worrying”.
“But you know, we all know, that Mr. Albanese is sitting in the background waiting for all these states to carry out their treaty processes and then push them forward.
‘Australians should be very worried. “This will affect each and every one of us.”
Assembly co-chair Ngarra Murray previously said feedback would continue to be gathered from traditional owner groups and Aboriginal community organizations on what should be included in the treaty.
“We are so excited to be able to bring all of their aspirations, hopes and dreams to this moment,” Ms. Murray said.
The Indigenous Voice proposal to Parliament, which was a step towards a nationwide treaty modeled on the Uluru Declaration from the Heart, was soundly defeated in last year’s referendum.
Despite being backed by the federal government, the Yes vote failed to achieve victory in any state, including Victoria, and was rejected by 62 per cent of voters nationally.