News
First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria North East district candidate: Greg James
The fight for sovereignty and self-determination continues with the establishment of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria.
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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 interview these individuals to hear their story and learn more about their motivations for joining the assembly.
Ash Witoslawski reports.
Greg James
Location: I’ve lived in Shepparton my whole life, except for a few stints working in remote communities in NSW and Queensland.
Occupation: Teacher and self-employed builder
Indigenous heritage: Yorta Yorta with links to Cummeragunja.
What inspired you to become a candidate?
My main inspiration to be involved in the treaty process is the fact this is a new initiative for our people moving forward from a leading point of view.
For me, the treaty is a positive and proactive approach for development and I am excited to be a part of something that is only happening in Victoria.
I would consider myself a conduit for my community and I want to be involved in the conversations and discussions around treaty to be a voice for my people and my clan.
I’m inspired to be that important vital link to take the concerns of my community and discuss them at the peak level of the decision making process.
What changes/improvements would you like to see for indigenous people in the North East district?
We need to continue to campaign and lobby for entitlement rights as well as education, health, social justice issues, recognition and respect for our heritage and connection to our land.
Traditional owners need to have a voice about their land and country. We need more job opportunities for Aboriginal people across the Goulburn Valley.
Our Aboriginal communities and businesses are really expanding and showing some great vision for the future.
It’s important we continue to contribute to the economic fabric of the region. I think the treaty will provide a step ladder to continue that.
We also need to improve our literacy and numeracy outcomes. Education is the key to success and pathways for our children. Aboriginal culture in the curriculum is vital right throughout the education system.
Why is treaty important for you?
Treaty is everybody’s business, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. It implies recognition and provides a voice for our people.
This will be create a formal recognition for the Victorian Government to engage in discussion about the future of Aboriginal affairs.
It will create a solid foundation for aboriginal and non aboriginal people to create strong relationships and partnerships and give our people recognition of sovereignty and prior occupation of the land.
The treaty is going to provide a chance for us to lobby for constitutional recognition and that’s a whole new conversation. It’s exciting to have the opportunity to start that conversation.
I think we need to start that discussion and I think it’s very important the Victorian Government consider that through the treaty negotiations.
It will provide us with the right for self determination and allow us to continue to have those discussions about our history. We need to go back and re-write history. I think that can only be done through the eyes and mouths of Aboriginal people.
Aboriginal history is Australian history, so that’s really important to me.
This will be the first treaty in Australia and I think we have the opportunity to provide a catalyst for other states to follow suit. I want to be one of the key leaders to discuss where to from here.
Why would you be a good representative for the district?
I have lived and worked in this community for most of my life and I have a strong ancestral connection to this country.
Our Yorta Yorta tribe has contributed to historical decisions that have had a direct impact on aboriginal people right around Australia that are landmark in regards to where we are today.
I have quite an extensive involvement representing regionally, statewide and interstate on education, culture and sport.
I am a representative for my region and my state as a part of the Reconciliation Victoria culture council which enables me to provide strategic advice for implementation in 2019 and beyond.
I have also recently been appointed deputy chair at Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative. I am aware of contemporary issues and have a strong knowledge of the needs of our people.
If elected, I will continue to advocate for the needs and concerns of Aboriginal people in the Goulburn Valley and throughout the broader region. I have been in several positions that have allowed me to talk with key stakeholders.
I have great communication skills, I’m approachable and am a good listener. I think I’d make a good candidate because I’d listen to the people and I would have the ability to take their concerns and discuss them at a higher level.
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
MORE ASSEMBLY CANDIDATES
First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria North East district candidate: Leanne Miller
First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria North East district candidate: Natarsha Bamblett
First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria North East district candidate: Michael Harding