SOUTH-WEST representative Michael Bell has called for patience as the Victorian First People's Assembly develops the foundations for treaty.
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The assembly is set for a second group sitting on Thursday and Friday, more than two months after its historic first meeting.
In the time between, sub-committees have been setting out on what Mr Bell said was essentially a blank canvas to something never done before in Australia. This was why Mr Bell said getting a sound framework for treaty was an important step before tabling issues up for negotiation.
Mr Bell co-chaired a community update forum in Ballarat late last week, predominantly to talk about the framework to develop a treaty or, possibly, treaties. This includes promoting an elders' voice in treaty and how to best establish a treaty authority to effectively act as an umpire between the government and those developing a treaty.
The assembly will work to guide the state government in the next phrase of treaty negotiations with Aboriginal clans and nations.
There are 21 seats for elected representatives from five regions, although some clans choose not to be involved, and there are 11 representatives from government-recognised traditional owner groups.
Mr Bell said there was a fine balancing act between a vast variety of views to ensure treaty is successful and builds trust between all parties, including clans and non-indigenous Victorians.
"For example, part of the legislation is self-determination and we need to define what this means," Mr Bell said. "The great thing about it is we all have got a common goal.
"...It's about being respectful to everybody because we're all in this together. A couple of messages will always come out strong but as representatives, we need to make sure everyone is heard."
Mr Bell, who hails from Heywood, said Ballarat has great representation to community forums and people showed great interest in the treaty process.
WHAT IS TREATY?
- An agreement between states, nations or governments, including between indigenous people and governments.
- Can be used in many areas including recognition of historic sovereignty, sacred sites, place names, historic wrongs, apologies and how relationships should evolve, possible self-government and land rights and management.
TREATY IN AUSTRALIA
The June 1988 Barunga Statement called for Aboriginal self-management, a national system of land rights, compensation for loss of lands, respect for Aboriginal identity, an end to discrimination and the granting of full civil, economic, social and cultural rights.
Labor prime minister Bob Hawke wanted to conclude a treaty by 1990. It has not happened.
A national Native Title Act 1993 and several state-based agreements cover some of the same ground as a treaty.
WHICH OTHER COUNTRIES HAVE A TREATY?
New Zealand - British representatives signed the Treaty of Waitangi with Maori chiefs in 1840. The New Zealand government has committed to settling historic and contemporary claims about the breach of treaty principles.
Canada - treaties were signed up to 1920. Since the 1970s, federal and provincial governments have been making land agreements with First Nations without historic treaties.
United States - agreements were signed until 1871. The federal government continues to make "nation-to-nation" agreements with recognised tribes.
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