Premier Daniel Andrews has pledged to work with the incoming co-chairs of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, who will lead the representative body in Treaty negotiations with the state government.
Mr Andrews and Treaty and First Peoples Minister Gabrielle Williams attended the Assembly’s first meeting of its second term in Parliament House in Melbourne, on Wurundjeri Country, on Thursday, July 27.
The Assembly will be led in its second term, when it negotiates a statewide Treaty, by newly elected co-chairs Ngarra Murray, a Wamba Wamba, Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung, Dhudhuroa and Wiradjuri woman, and Gunditjmara man Rueben Berg.
“Treaty is our opportunity to create a future that is stronger and fairer for our entire state, and I’m honoured to work with the new First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria as an equal partner to deliver this historic agreement,” Mr Andrews said.
Ms Williams said the government’s commitment to Treaty was in line with the Uluru Statement, which has called for a Voice to Parliament nationally.
“We’re working together with the First Peoples’ Assembly to implement the Uluru Statement from the Heart and its call for Voice, Treaty and Truth at all levels of government to ensure a stronger and fairer future for all Victorians,” she said.