First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria elects new co-chairs as Treaty era begins

The First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria has elected new co-chairs at its inaugural meeting on Dja Dja Wurrung Country in Bendigo this week, marking the start of a new chapter for Australia’s first Treaty.

Gunnai and Gunditjmara person Meriki Onus and Dja Dja Wurrung, Wamba Wamba, Yorta Yorta, Dhudhuroa, Waywurru, Barapa Barapa, Wergaia and Wiradjuri man Djaran Murray-Jackson were chosen by newly elected Members to lead the Assembly. They replace outgoing co-chairs Reuben Berg and Ngarra Murray, who led the Assembly through negotiations for the country’s first Treaty with the Victorian Government last year.

The leadership change follows last month’s Treaty Elections, which saw participation grow on every measure. More candidates stood, more First Peoples enrolled and more votes were cast than in any previous election.

Onus, who represents the metro region and was elected this year, said leading the Assembly alongside Mr Murray-Jackson was a privilege.

“I’m grateful for my fellow Members’ support at this pivotal time for our people. We have walked a decade-long journey and negotiated and signed Australia’s first Treaty, now we must make sure that Treaty delivers real change for us” Ms Onus said.

She said the immediate focus would be on practical outcomes for community.

“Our first priority is working with our communities on how we can use Gellung Warl’s new powers and responsibilities to secure better outcomes across health, education and employment for our people.”

Mr Murray-Jackson returns to the Assembly as the Reserved Seat representative for Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation.

“I want to thank Members for putting their trust in me as Co-chair. We’ve just had our third Treaty Elections and we’re really proud of the results. Our elections are non-compulsory, yet over 10,000 First Peoples enrolled for the elections, showing how deeply our people are committed to Treaty” Mr Murray-Jackson said.

“First Peoples are the experts on our own lives, we know what does and doesn’t work for our communities, and Treaty is how we make the most of our local knowledge to get better outcomes for our people.”

Gellung Warl, meaning “tip of the spear” in Gunaikurnai, is the new permanent representative body created through Treaty and was officially established on 1 May. The Assembly continues as the elected group of Traditional Owners under that framework, alongside a permanent truth-telling body and an accountability commission.

Members commenced this term with a Three Fires Ceremony hosted by Dja Dja Wurrung Traditional Owners, attended by newly elected Members, former Assembly members and Elders’ Voice representatives. Cultural items were exchanged and Members stepped through the smoke of the three fires, symbolising the end of one chapter and the beginning of the next.

The state Coalition has pledged to abolish the Assembly and tear up Treaty if it wins November’s state election.