13 Jan: The Guardian – Permanent Indigenous voice on the table as Victoria treaty negotiations ramp up

A permanent Indigenous voice to parliament is being considered as part of treaty negotiations between the Victorian government and the state’s First Peoples’ Assembly.

On Monday, the two groups issued a joint statement outlining the topics to be discussed as part of negotiations that began in late November, which includes the “creation of an ongoing First Peoples’ representative body”.

The possibility of “evolving” the First Peoples’ Assembly into such a body will be discussed. Further, “the role of a representative body in decision-making relating to Victorian government programs and services for First Peoples” and the “interaction between a representative body and the Victorian parliament and government” will also be negotiated.