In previous years treaty has been a key talking point at public events and forums. While the intention was to continue this significant engagement, with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic during 2020 and 2021, many such forums were sadly unable to proceed as planned. Nevertheless, below are a series of events that contributed to the public conversation to support Victoria’s treaty process.
YIPAA Masterclass Series – Aboriginal Affairs in the 21st century – August 2020
Presented to members of the Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA) Victoria’s Young Professionals Network, this event explored Aboriginal self-determination, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities’ resilience, governance and ways of life, and how these might inform treaty and future policies governing Aboriginal affairs.
Victorian Truth & Justice Process – NRL Wests Tigers – September 2020
This presentation focused on the truth and justice process underway in Victoria, to members of the NRL Wests Tigers’ Reconciliation Action Plan Group. The presentation included updates on Victoria’s treaty process, possible treaty elements and opportunities for engagement including highlighting the Deadly & Proud campaign.
Melbourne University Law Students’ Society - Women's Portfolio Networking Night – October 2020
The Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPC) was invited to attend this event to present to participants on the progress of treaty in Victoria. Discussion explored the concept of self-determination and the opportunities to deliver on this commitment through treaty and truth and justice processes.
Truth-telling discussion – International Centre for Transitional Justice – October 2020
The International Centre for Transitional Justice hosted a discussion on Victoria’s truth and justice processes underway, as well as the role of treaty in addressing past and ongoing injustices for Victoria’s Aboriginal communities.
Deadly Event Series: Treaty & Truth – November 2020
During NAIDOC Week, the University of Melbourne hosted a panel discussion that considered a wide range of practical, legal and political questions on treaty and truth, and the potential for the treaty process to address broader issues within the Aboriginal Victorian community.
Public Sector Perspectives Episode 17: NAIDOC Week – November 2020
Hosted by the IPAA, this was a podcast episode that explored how Aboriginal communities in Victoria stopped the spread of COVID-19 through cultural and community-led action, and the treaty engagement process that took place while working remotely.
NAIDOC Week Panel Discussion Hosted by DPC: ‘Truth and Treaty’ – November 2020
This panel discussion provided a deeper understanding of the issues facing Aboriginal communities and why the Victorian Government is on the path to treaty with Aboriginal Victorians. The discussion also delved into the truth and justice process and how it relates to treaty.
Wheeler Centre discussion ‘Mapping Culture: Treaty’ – May 2021
In partnership with YIRRAMBOI, this discussion explored the opportunities within treaty and what it means for the diverse Aboriginal Victorian communities and redefined relationship with government. The discussion also focused on the role of examining past and ongoing injustices through treaty and truth and justice processes.
Treaty and truth – Western Bulldogs Football Club – June 2021
Progress on the treaty and the truth and justice process underway in Victoria and opportunities for engagement including highlighting the Deadly & Proud campaign were discussed with members of the Western Bulldogs Football Club’s Reconciliation Action Plan Group.
Treaty during Reconciliation Week – Maddocks law firm – June 2021
Progress on the treaty and the truth and justice process underway in Victoria, including significant achievements such as the establishment of the Yoo-rrook Justice Commission were canvassed during this presentation at the invitation of Maddocks.
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