Nominations called for key Treaty Authority roles

Aug 7, 2023

**Treaty Authority:** First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria members in state parliament for the introduction of the Treaty Authority bill last year. First Nations leaders have been encouraged to nominate for a position on the authority.

Nominations have been called for the body that will oversee treaty negotiations between the Victorian Government and Victorian Traditional Owners.

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The five successful candidates will lead and initiate the formation of the Treaty Authority, an institution tasked with supporting and overseeing statewide and local treaty negotiations between the state and Indigenous communities.

An independent panel jointly appointed by the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria and the Victorian Government is conducting the search.

Wamba Wamba woman and senior panellist Karinda Taylor said the authority provided community leaders with an opportunity to play a vital role in the treaty process.

“We are looking for people with cultural knowledge to develop fit-for-purpose and culturally strong governance and uphold Aboriginal Law, Lore and Cultural Authority,” Mrs Taylor said.

Another panellist, Gunditjmara-Kirrae Whurrong man Marcus Clarke, said it would be the Treaty Authority’s role to facilitate negotiations and assist parties to resolve disputes if required.

“Members are privileged with the task of ensuring Aboriginal Lore, Law and Cultural Authority are observed and upheld throughout the Treaty negotiation process,” he said.

Mrs Taylor said Treaty Authority members would be recruited through an independent recruitment process developed by the panel, which had sought guidance from the Elders’ Voice at the First Peoples’ Assembly.

The Treaty Authority was established by agreement between the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria and the state of Victoria.

It sits outside the normal government bureaucracy, is not subject to the direction of a minister and its funding is insulated from the usual budget and electoral cycles.

Nominations for the five inaugural members of the Treaty Authority will close on Monday, August 28.

Applicants must be First Peoples, although not necessarily Victorian Traditional Owners, the selection criteria requires that candidates have a connection with and are a valued member of the Victorian First Peoples’ community.

The successful members are expected to be appointed by November.

More information can be found at https://indigcareers.com.au/Ads/TAM/ArtMID/654/ArticleID/1048/TREATY-AUTHORITY-MEMBER

Prospective candidates can get an information pack from IndigCareers by emailing their interest/nomination to treaty@indigcareers.com.au