First Peoples candidates in Warragul tonight

Candidates that have nominated for an election to represent the state’s SouthEast region on the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria will present their cases at a meeting in Warragul tonight.

Seven candidates are seeking three available positions for the region that takes in Baw Baw, Latrobe, Wellington and East Gippsland municipalities.

They will be available to meet eligible voters at the session starting at 6pm tonight at the Warragul Country Club.

Three of the candidates are seeking re-election to the assembly that was formed in 2019.

They are Alice Pepper who has links to Gunnai, Yorta Yorta, Mutti Mutti, Gunditjmara and Arrente communities, Kaylene Williamson (Gunai Kurnai) and Peter Hood (Kurnai).

Others seeking election are William Pepper (Kurnai), Brian Stevens (Gunnai), Marjorie Thorpe (Gunnai) and Paul Richardson (Gunditjmara).

Another meet the candidates session for the region will be held in Bairnsdale on May 12 ahead of the election period from May 13 to June 3. A spokesperson said voting was open to those that were enrolled with the assembly and aged 16 years or older.

Enrolments are still open for eligible people online at firstpeoplesvic.org

The state assembly consists of 31 people, 21 who will be chosen at the election and 10 reserved for each formally recognised traditional owners group.

The First Peoples’ Assembly will negotiate over the next three years with government for a statewide treaty tackling the “big overarching issues” of improved health, education and justice.

Its website adds that the treaty will “provide a way to tackle the racist legacies of invasion and offer everyone an opportunity to create a better future together”.