At their final meeting of its first term, elected Members of the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria, the democratic representative body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Victoria's Treaty process, have voted to formally endorse the federal Voice to Parliament. They will support the "YES" vote in the upcoming referendum.
Assembly Co-Chair, Bangerang and Wiradjuri Elder Aunty Geraldine Atkinson, said like having a 'democratic voice' for Aboriginal people in Victoria has been a vital part of advancing the shared journey to Treaty, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament would be an important step toward a Treaty at a national level.
"Having a democratic voice for the Aboriginal community has worked so well for us here in Victoria that we want to help make sure mob all over the country can also benefit from something similar at a national level," said Aunty Geraldine.
"Any step forward that gives us a greater say in the decisions that affect our lives is a step worth taking, we've seen that here on our journey towards Treaty."
The Assembly's last meeting before its state-wide elections in May was held on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country in Naarm.
Marcus Stewart, a proud Nira illim bulluk man of the Taungurung Nation and one of the Assembly's Co-Chairs, expressed that the upcoming referendum would be a test to Australia's maturity as a nation to confront its past.
He believes that acknowledging and reconciling with the past will enable everyone to collaborate towards building a better future as equals.
"Every injustice inflicted on us all arose from decisions made by politicians that had no obligation to listen to our concerns or learn about the solutions we want to put on the table," said Mr Stewart.
"An Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament will change that dynamic for the better.
"It will put a voice for the oldest living culture in the world into the heart of our modern democracy."
The Assembly will be supporting the YES vote in addition to its ongoing efforts in the Victorian Treaty process, that seeks to put First Peoples in the driver's seat when it comes to decisions that affect First Peoples.
"Opportunities like this don't come around too often, so we know we need to make the most of it," said Mr Stewart.
"The vast majority of Aboriginal people around the country want Voice, want Treaty and want Truth, so let's get it done, this is the first step.
"A strong YES vote will be a tide that raises all ships – sending a clear signal that the general public are ready to support reforms that put First Peoples in the driver's seat."
