Registered Aboriginal Party

There is growing concern regarding . The newly appointed the Aboriginal Heritage Council which is under the influence of the Victorian Government, which appointed the present Council members, who have been instructed to initiate, Registered Aboriginal Parties "RAP" which gives the Registered Aboriginal Parties responsibility for protecting and maintaining places and object of cultural heritage significance.

We ask, Is not Aboriginal Sovereignty an issue of cultural heritage significance?

Some of you may not be aware that the Aboriginal Embassy Victoria, came into being late last century, (1996). whose aim and role is to uphold the Sovereignty of the Aboriginal People of Victoria, to maintain their spiritual and mystical beliefs of the Aboriginal race of Victoria .and to protect our people. As we are still a nation... be it within a nation. Over the last ten years or so, we have raised a number of important and relevant issues with the Victorian Government, Departments heads. In concise form we offer:-

1. As by way of Public Notice 1996 All water ways have been reclaimed by the rightful- lawful traditional land owners, the embassy acting as trustee on behalf of such. I point out with many thanks to the AAL, the Watts Street mob, for support in funding for the Melbourne Age Public Notice, copy of the Public Notice is available for all to peruse

In regards to the water ways claim, we have had to use (in one case) mild force, in removing Shire workers from the site- water ways, which is still being monitored today, News article relating to such is also available

2. All registered Aboriginal Co-op in Victoria, were notified in writing to on going matters, all were asked to request their local member of Parliament to obtain a copy of the legislated Act that gives the Victorian Government the Power to make Laws for the Aboriginal People of Victoria, It may pay to note that there is no proper legislated act in Victorian. that gives the Government power to make laws for peace order and good government of the Aboriginal race. (Copy of correspondence from the appropriate Government Department confirming such.)

3. Victorian Constitution Act 1975, Part 11 division 1 sec. 2 "The Parliament shall have power to make laws in and for Victoria in all cases whatsoever " We notified the Government that the Victorian Constitution Act 1975 made no mention of the Aboriginal race at all, therefore has no Lawful meaning or standing within the Aboriginal race of Victoria, Unfortunately as yet we have not received a reply from the Government.

It is of some concern, as most recently the Victorian Constitution Act had been added to, The Primer Hon, Steve Bracks, acknowledged our people as the original occupiers of this land. */This amendment, may well open a legal passage for the Government to ponder. It may be, only. time will tell. (Copy our letter to the Premier Steve Bracks relating to the issue is available)

4. Protecting Our People, 2006 After years of debate and observation, we found urgent need to bring to the Premier of Victoria Steve Bracks attention, that the current laws, has inflicted an unnecessary burden on our people, mentally, physical and financially.

The laws surround cannabis, use, possession and cultivation do not support our present community needs and demands. the urgent need to amend the Drugs Poisons and Controlled Substance Act 1981, to insert in all relevant sections of the Act.

1. "No person being a decedent of the Aboriginal race shall not be charged with any offense, if that person is found to have less then 30 grams of cannabis in his or her possession"

2. No person being a decedent of the Aboriginal race shall not be charge with any offense, for cultivation of up to five cannabis plants per household, for personal use only, (Copy of letter available)

I again point out, ever since Europeans occupied our lands, alcohol has played a major part in destroying our race, Australians first Botanist recorded as a native Herb found on the east coast of (new Holland) as being belonging to herbaceous plant Cannabis saliva family, The natives used this Herb for various reason, however this Herb is now erroneously classified as a narcotic. White Man made beer the creator made grass, whom do we put our trust in?

5. 2006 Traditional Land Owners to be recognized, we wrote to all Victorian Council/ Shires, requesting if they see fit to do so, place on their welcome to the municipal signs on main roads, acknowledging the various traditional tribal clans, in response we received many letters confirming that shire council will erect signs that acknowledge the rightful land owners. (copy of proposal letter is available)

It was very pleasing that many Shire Council have agreed to acknowledge, Traditional owners of the land, As you may well support rightful recognition of the Aboriginal land is a step in the right direction.

Over the last ten years we have brought to the attention of various organization representing Aboriginal people, However we were deeply disappointed that the matters raised have not been addressed in a proper manner, as expected by our people.

Aboriginal Affairs Minister announced last October, that the Aboriginal Heritage Council "will play a central role in protecting and managing their heritage". "The Council will determine which Aboriginal groups will be authorised to speak for country" This gives reason to question the Council, as to its overall future aim and intentions, and to assure that any agreements made do not undermine or leave open to question Aboriginal Sovereignty to this land.

Finally, We ask the reason why the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Act need to be changed in the first instance?... Accountability for all is now a must.

Thank you,
Beryl Booth
Ambassador