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2mo ago

Victoria to Make First Peoples’ Assembly Permanent With Statutory Powers

The legislation responds to the Yoorrook Justice Commission’s call for a permanent Indigenous voice by embedding the Assembly into Victoria’s parliamentary structure.

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PERTH, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 7: An Aboriginal flag is seen through the crowd at the "Stop Black Deaths In Custody" march on October 7, 2023 in Perth, Australia. With Australia's historic referendum on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament just a week away, activity in the leadup to it has been at fever pitch in both the YES and NO camps. The Stop Black Deaths In Custody events were held against the backdrop of the referendum, which will take place on Oct. 14. (Photo by Matt Jelonek/Getty Images)
Dancers perform at the ceremonial opening of treaty negotiations last year. (AAP Image/Pool, Justin McManus)
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Overview

  • A statewide treaty bill will be introduced later this year to convert the First Peoples’ Assembly into a permanent statutory body with decision-making authority.
  • The draft legislation would require ministers and departments to consult the Assembly on all policies and laws specifically affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Victorians.
  • Under the reforms the Assembly will become a statutory corporation overseen by IBAC, the Victorian auditor-general’s office and the ombudsman.
  • The Assembly would assume control of the Aboriginal Community Infrastructure Program, the Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll and the organisation of NAIDOC week events.
  • The Greens, Animal Justice and Legalise Cannabis have signalled support to secure passage in the upper house while the Liberal opposition under Brad Battin remains opposed.