‘Decolonisation in action’: Agreement reached on Treaty Authority establishment

By Caitlyn Grant

Jun 9, 2022

Taking steps: First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria co-chair Marcus Stewart, Aboriginal Affairs Minister Gabrielle Williams and Aunty Geraldine Atkinson.

The First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria and the Victorian Government have reached an agreement to establish an independent body to monitor Treaty negotiations.

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The agreed Treaty Authority will sit independently from the Assembly and the government, created to oversee negotiations and assist in resolving disputes in the Treaty process.

While the authority will act as an “independent umpire”, legislation is required for the agreement to come to fruition.

The legislation was set to be introduced into Victorian Parliament on Tuesday, June 7, presented by Aboriginal Affairs Minister Gabrielle Williams.

Assembly co-chair and proud Nira illim bulluk man of the Taungurung Nation Marcus Stewart said the creation of the authority ensured Treaty negotiations weren’t restrained by ‘western concepts’.

“This is about stepping outside of the colonial system,” he said.

“We’ve said to government, if you’re serious about Treaty, you’ll do it our way, and to their credit, that’s what they’re doing — this is decolonisation in action.”

An independent panel — to be agreed on by the assembly and the state government ― will conduct the appointment of members of the new Treaty Authority.

Members will be First Nations people, and a public call for nominations will be announced in the following months, with a chance for community feedback.

The First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria is the democratic voice representing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the journey to Treaty in Victoria.