Set to stand as a voice for indigenous people throughout the Treaty process, the assembly will consist of 32 seats, 21 of which will be determined by a voting system undertaken by indigenous Victorians.
Our region, known as the North East region, has three seats designated with nine candidates up for election. The News will be interviewing these individuals to hear their story and learn more about their motivations for joining the assembly. Ash Witoslawski reports.
Leanne Miller
Occupation: Executive director of Koorie Women Mean Business.
Indigenous heritage: A descendant of the Dhulanyagen Ulupna clan, Yorta Yorta people. I was born at Mooroopna base hospital. My mother is Frances Mathyssen, (nee Briggs), daughter of Selwyn and Geraldine Briggs AO (nee Clements).
Both grandparents and their respective families hold a strong, long-standing commitment to Aboriginal affairs, community developments and the strengths of reciprocity acts.
What inspired you to become a candidate?
I am particularly committed to the entrepreneurial leadership of Aboriginal women, having partnered to support more than 500 Aboriginal women obtaining their Community Development certificate 1V and diploma.
Koorie Women Mean Business designed a few platforms that support Aboriginal women in micro to macro businesses. We’ve also authored the research project: Resistance and Renewal: building and supporting community-led partnerships initiatives in responding to family violence in indigenous communities in Victoria.
What changes/improvements would you like to see for indigenous people in the North East district?
Acute shortages in crisis, transitional and long-term housing particularly in regional and remote locations mean Aboriginal women and children are routinely turned away from refuges and safe houses because they are at capacity.
I would like to see all involved lift their game on this for those experiencing family violence. While governments around Australia have improved responses to domestic and family violence through law reforms and integrated service systems they still tend to adopt a one-size-fits-all approach that fails to respond to the intersectionality of indigenous women’s and children’s experiences with domestic and family violence and child protection.
It’s challenging workforce development for wraparound services we have such a high burn out rate within the sectors which results in clients already disadvantaged penalised or having inhibited choices.
Why is Treaty important for you?
Our family has talked Treaty for many generations. Crafted by our people, it has the potential to strengthen and uphold the strong fundamentals of our history as first peoples and to influence our planning for growth as a clan and community.
The Treaty negotiation framework would benefit from my strengths in partnerships, building community engagement, policy writing and negotiation.
Why would you be a good representative for the district?
Discussions about a Treaty negotiating framework process needs energy, innovation and a strong woman’s voice. This opportunity may not occur again as a community. We know that there is a lot at risk — given the existing government agreements and disruptions of our world view. We cannot be silent.
This is the point we need to be Talkin’ Up the Right Way: building strong communities through collaboration, mutual respect and knowledge sharing. Our policy and interpretations must be braver and bolder. And that is why I am standing as a member of the First People’s Assembly of Victoria.
I am unafraid of initiating action based on need, sound advice and in the spirit of co-operation, as I believe it’s with many minds and hearts pulling together that great things and small important things, happen. I have an extensive advocacy background working in indigenous, legal, corporate and women’s sectors.
I have represented Australian indigenous women at the United Nations and undertaken four international UN fellowships. I was selected as community representative, Australian Government delegation to the 54th session on the Commission on the Status of Women, United Nations.
As a senior Atlantic Fellow for Social Equity, working with seven Atlantic leadership hubs across the globe on a platform of systemic and transformative change. I would welcome the opportunity to bring both local and international expertise to discussions on the provisions and interpretation of Treaty legislation in Victoria.
Voting will be open from Monday, September 16, until Sunday, October 20. Victorian Aboriginal community members from the age of 16 are eligible to vote. For more information, visit firstpeoplesvic.org
MEET THE OTHER CANDIDATES
First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria North East district candidate: Michael Harding
First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria North East district candidate: Natarsha Bamblett
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