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Self-Determination Discussions Take Step Forward

15 October 2016

A series of workshops will be held across Victoria as part of the next step in the Andrews Labor Government’s work with the Aboriginal community towards self-determination and treaty.

Attending the 2016 Statewide Koori Football and Netball Carnival in Bendigo, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Natalie Hutchins said the workshops would be held in 10 locations to ensure all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have the opportunity to have their say.

The workshops will occur in October and November in Melbourne, Mildura, Swan Hill, Horsham, Warrnambool, Ballarat, Bendigo, Shepparton, Bairnsdale and Morwell.

The workshops are an initiative of the recently established Aboriginal Treaty Interim Working Group to focus on exploring options for Aboriginal representation, what it could look like and how it can be achieved.

The outcomes from the workshops will be reported back at the upcoming Aboriginal Victoria Forum in Melbourne in December 2016.

The Labor Government also announced today $5,000 would be provided to the Bendigo and District Aboriginal Co-Operative in partnership with the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation to help run the Carnival

The Carnival is an important way to bring the Aboriginal communities together to celebrate culture and tradition, while promoting a range of positive messages such as the importance of having an active and healthy lifestyle.

Further information about the upcoming workshops will soon be available at consult.aboriginalvictoria.vic.gov.au/

Quotes attributable to Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Natalie Hutchins

“The interim working group will advise me on process, timing and next steps for treaty discussions and these consultations are a key step as we work towards the report back and recommendations in December.”

“This is about Aboriginal Victorians having their say, and shaping the future of these negotiations.”

Quotes attributable to the Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan

“The Carnival is a great celebration and a showcase of the continued efforts towards improved social, cultural and economic outcomes for Aboriginal people.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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