First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria North East district candidate: Matthew Atkinson

Sep 9, 2019

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.

Location: Shepparton

Occupation: Koori case manager with the Court Integrated Service Program

Indigenous heritage: Bangerang

What inspired you to become a candidate?

I’ve been watching the treaty since it all started but I wasn’t going to run, I thought it was a job for our elders. I had local elders call me and encourage me to put my hand up. Our selfless elders have worked long and hard to get us to the point where we can have real conversations with government and that the younger have an obligation to help our people continue moving forward.

What changes/improvements would you like to see for indigenous people in the north-east district?

I am a young Aboriginal man, I want to be a voice of the younger generation. Also, in my line of work, I see issues our people face in the justice area and I will to bring that knowledge to the table. All people elected have an obligation to be a conduit for conversation and represent all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people in Victoria in all spaces. Any other topics the community wants me to speak about I am willing to listen and ensure their voices are heard.

Why is treaty important for you?

This is the first time the Victorian Government has been open to having this conversation and asked us how we as Aboriginal people want to address the issues that affect us. It’s the first time we have been asked to come to the table. We need to have equality and this is a kick start to self-determination for our people.

Why would you be a good representative for the district?

I am from this region, my people are from this region, we have a connection to this country that goes back over 100 000 years. I want to see positive changes in this region. I am a younger voice, I am passionate and invested in the future of this region. I want to see positive changes for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people in Victoria. I am willing to catch up with anyone that wants to be heard, I am only a call or email away, my door is always open for a cuppa.

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