Victoria continues to lead the nation on self-determination by taking another step towards a contemporary treaty with the Victorian Aboriginal community.

The second Aboriginal Victoria Forum will be held in Melbourne today and the Interim Treaty Working Group will report on the consultations and provide recommendations on a roadmap to progress treaty.

The recommendations and feedback have been developed after 10 community consultation events held across Victoria, as well as letters and online submissions.

The community consultation work was led by the Working Group which was made up of Traditional Owners, state-wide Aboriginal community controlled organisations and the Koori Youth Council.

The Working Group was established by the Aboriginal Victoria Forum held earlier this year, created to provide advice to the Government on the process and timing for treaty, community engagement and options for a permanent Victorian Aboriginal representative body.

Further information on the outcomes of the Aboriginal Victoria Forum will be available on the new Aboriginal Victoria website at www.vic.gov.au/aboriginalvictoria

Quotes attributable to Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Natalie Hutchins

“I’m proud of the self-determination and treaty discussion that has been underway across Victoria this year.”

“The debate that has been occurring has only further confirmed the strong desire for reconciliation within our community.”

“We will continue to listen to Aboriginal Victorians and see this through because it is the right thing to do.”