Voting in First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria elections enters final day

Giovanni Torre
Giovanni Torre Published June 3, 2023 at 1.30am (AWST)

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria are being urged to have their say in the state's Treaty Elections before voting closes at 11pm tonight, Saturday 3 June.

The elections are for the second term of the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria, the state's democratically elected Voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people leading the journey to Treaty.

Negotiations on a statewide Treaty between the Assembly and the Victorian government are expected to begin before the end of the year.

Assembly Co-Chair and Bangerang and Wiradjuri Elder Aunty Geraldine Atkinson said the elections are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's opportunity to choose who will be sitting across from government in Treaty negotiations.

"Aboriginal people are the experts on our own lives, we know what we need to create a better future for our people. Treaty is about restoring our freedom and power to make the decisions that affect us," Aunty Geraldine said.

"This is history in the making, and just how good Treaty is, what it does for Community, will depend on all mob getting involved with the Treaty Elections. Your vote matters."

Votes will be counted from 10am, Saturday 17 June to allow postal votes sent before the voting deadline to arrive and be counted.

The election results will be announced as soon as practicable after votes have been counted.

Yothu Yindi, Jessica Mauboy and Dan Sultan will join a lineup of all First Nations artists to celebrate the final day of voting at the Treaty Day Out Naarm music festival.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people enrolled with the Assembly get free entry to the festival and will be able to vote in the Treaty Elections in person on the day.

Tickets are available for purchase for $105 for allies and people not enrolled with the Assembly at www.TreatyDayOut.com.

More information about the Assembly Elections is available online at TreatyElections.org.

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