Ending disadvantage experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples requires significantly increased access to the capital, markets and land that drive Indigenous economic development, not only jobs and mentoring.

Traditional Owners will be supported to be critical partners in Australia’s clean energy transition after government endorsement and $70 million in funding for the landmark First Nations Clean Energy Strategy.

Stronger support to engage in renewable energy development, increased core funding for Traditional Owner groups, and better recognition and resourcing for Indigenous intellectual and cultural property rights are among the recommendations of a parliamentary inquiry’s new report into Indigenous economic prosperity welcomed by the state-wide body that advocates for the rights and interests of Victorian Traditional Owner groups. Federation of Victorian Traditional Owner Corporations CEO, Paul Paton, welcomed today’s release of the report of the Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs’ Inquiry into Economic Self-determination and Opportunities for First Nations Australians – an inquiry the Federation provided a submission and testimony to in May and July this year. “It’s clear the Committee has heard Traditional Owner groups’ views and recommended reforms that could change the game for First Nations’ economic development,” said Mr Paton. “This report is significant for Traditional Owner groups – it hears and respects our ability to drive our own futures. I urge the Federal Government to implement its recommendations.” The Federation welcomed recommendations in the Committee’s report that – if implemented – would ratify the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, increase funding to Prescribed Bodies Corporate, strengthen Traditional…

Legislative reform that would increase the national Indigenous commercial investment body’s ability to raise and invest funds will power much-needed economic development for First Nations’ communities and help put control of Aboriginal lives into Aboriginal hands.

Today’s commencement of statewide Treaty negotiations is an historic moment to reset the relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the state of Victoria, restore respect, and more meaningfully recognise the inherent rights First Nations peoples have long fought for, says the state-wide body that advocates for the rights and interests of Victorian Traditional Owner groups. Federation of Victorian Traditional Owner Corporations CEO, Paul Paton, hailed the commencement of negotiations for a statewide Treaty between the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria and the Victorian Government as an opportunity for systemic change that will improve Aboriginal peoples’ life outcomes. “This is an historic moment in Victoria’s story and represents the start of the first fair Treaty in this state’s history,” says Mr Paton. “For the first time, big structural change that can help redress the harmful impacts of colonisation will be available to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in Victoria – which will enable us to make decisions about our communities and the issues that affect us.” First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria is a democratically elected community body that will negotiate a statewide Treaty with the Victorian Government on topics that include recognising historic wrongs, making…

The Victorian Government must commit to joint decision-making with Traditional Owners for culturally significant species following its decision to allow the continued killing of dingoes across north-east Victoria.