Victoria’s First Peoples are invited to nominate for the Treaty Authority which will oversee Treaty negotiations between the Andrews Labor Government and Aboriginal Victorians.
Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Gabrielle Williams has welcomed the announcement that the independent panel appointed to recruit Treaty Authority members is seeking nominations for five First Peoples who will work together in a collective leadership model to establish, guide and deliver the new Treaty Authority.
The ‘independent umpire’ to ensure a fair treaty process, the Treaty Authority was established under the Treaty Authority Agreement to facilitate negotiations and resolve any disputes.
In May, an independent panel was appointed by the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria and the Labor Government to oversee the selection process of Treaty Authority members. The panel includes Karinda Taylor, Eddie Cubillo, Marcus Clarke, Richard Wynne, and Aunty Vicki Clark OAM.
A nation-leading institution, the Treaty Authority draws on international best practice, adapted for Victoria to ensure Aboriginal lore, law and cultural authority are observed and upheld.
Under the Advancing the Treaty Process with Aboriginal Victorians Act 2018, the Government was required to create an independent Treaty Authority – it was then legislated under the Treaty Authority and Other Treaty Elements Bill 2022.
Nominations for the five inaugural members of the Treaty Authority are now open and will close on Monday 28 August.
For more information on how to apply, or to nominate a candidate to be a Treaty Authority Member, email IndigCareers at [email protected]
As stated by Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Gabrielle Williams
“The establishment of the Treaty Authority creates opportunities to build understanding and dialogue with the whole of the Victorian community about Treaty-making in Victoria.”
“The inaugural Treaty Authority members will play a crucial role in building the trust and support of all Victorians for this important and historic process that will make Victoria a fairer place for everyone.”
As stated by Wamba Wamba woman and Senior Panellist of the Treaty Authority Panel Karinda Taylor
“The Treaty Authority is a new and unique entity that presents an incredible opportunity for leaders in our community to step forward and help us get Treaty done.
“We’re looking for people with cultural knowledge to develop fit-for-purpose and culturally strong governance and uphold Aboriginal Law, Lore and Cultural Authority.“
