Victoria has taken another step towards Treaty with the first meeting of the Aboriginal Community Assembly in Melbourne today.

Over six days, the Community Assembly will discuss the design of the Aboriginal Representative Body, a crucial next step in the Treaty process.

The Assembly is made up of a diverse range of Aboriginal Victorians – from youth to respected elders, as well as Traditional Owner groups – and bring unique skills, life experiences and knowledge to the Assembly.

Of the 33 member group, 13 live in metropolitan Melbourne and 20 live in regional Victoria.

The Assembly will provide recommendations to the Aboriginal Treaty Working Group on the Representative Body’s structure, representation and governance.

The launch of the Assembly builds on three state-wide forums and 16 community consultations, which have engaged 7,500 Aboriginal Victorians over the last 18 months.

The Victorian Treaty Advancement Commission will be established in early 2018 and will work closely with the Aboriginal Treaty Working Group and the Victorian Aboriginal community to guide the establishment of the Aboriginal Representative Body.

For more information, visit communityassembly.com.au.

Quotes attributable to the Acting Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Luke Donnellan

“The Assembly will ensure the design of the Aboriginal Representative Body is guided by the Victorian Aboriginal community. This is self-determination in action.”

“Aboriginal Victorians are now designing their representative body, which will be a voice to the Victorian Parliament, government and people.”