3/09/2019
Victorian First Peoples urged to ‘get enrolled’
Nominations closed - voting starts September 16
Nominations have closed for candidates for the First People’s Assembly of Victorian, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Victorians are being urged to ensure they are enrolled, to have their voice heard.
The First People’s Assembly of Victoria will be the voice for Aboriginal communities in the next phase of the State’s Treaty process and 11 candidates have nominated to represent North West Victoria on the body:
• Raylene Ivy Harradine
• Brendan Kennedy
• Jason Kelly
• Nick Stewart
• Rodney Carter
• Kenita-Lee McCartney
• Annebelle May Moore
• Jacinta Chaplin
• Ricky Lee Nelson
• Racquel Buis-Kerr
• Dale McDonald
North West Assembly Election Officer Sarah Nalder said she was pleased by the number of people stepping up to enrol.
“It’s great – most people coming to me are really excited by the opportunity to be able to think about moving towards a treaty process,” Ms Nalder said.
“Everyone is really positive. They’re interested and want to be involved.”
Ms Nalder said it was not yet clear how many people have enrolled, because enrolments are still open online, or through 12 election officers around the State. In north west three representatives will be elected, including at least one woman.
“Voting starts on September 16 and goes through until October 20 and people can enrol right up to the close of voting,” she said.
“The main question people are asking me is what the assembly is going to be doing, mainly that if we vote these people in, what are they going to be doing?
The Assembly will work alongside government to set up:
• The Treaty Authority – an independent umpire through the Treaty process
• The Treaty Negotiating Framework – which will set how Treaties can be agreed in Victoria
• A Self-Determination Fund – so community can be on a level playing field with government.
Victorian Traditional Owners and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living in Victoria are eligible to vote.