Paac Interest 10/9/08

Elder Morwell 10 September 2008
Dear....
Re:Premiers Aboriginal Advisory Council & LINs-RICs

Firstly, Background The former Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Mr. Jennings. media release of dated Wednesday, 8 June 2005, made it know that "From July 1st ATSIC regional councils end and their will be no formal representative striation in Victoria for Government to hear the views of Indigenous People"

"Indigenous people in Victoria have made it clear it’s important to have their voice heard within Government and the Bracks Government wants to work to ensure there is an inclusive way for government to speak with Indigenous people and hear there Views and Aspiration,

A working party led Mr. Troy Austin, the Binjirru Regional Council Chairperson, Ms Daphne Yarram and Tumbukka Chairperson Mr. Tim Chatfield, have committed to leading the way in discussion with Indigenous communities about the representative structure best suited to them. Over the following weeks many concerns Indigenous citizens sign up Lins as a direct result of the discussions. Background ends here.

4th September 2008 Leonie Solomon-Green (AAV) notified (via Email) Lin Members, The government is calling for expressions of interest (EOI) from all LIN members who have an interest in representing their region on the PAAC.

The Representative Structure, Thirty-Eight new Local Indigenous Networks (LINs) and eight Regional Indigenous Councils (RICs) are being established across Victoria and from 2009 representatives from those regional groups will join the Premiers Advisory Council (PAAC)

It is most important to note, Step One Lin Members consider the Criteria for representing their region on PAAC and Decide Whether they wish to express interest in the role" All Members must summit their Expression of interest by the 22 September 2008.

I note that, "An Indigenous Selection panel will evaluate the expression of interest submitted" As I have no knowledge of what person or persons are on the Indigenous selection panel, I can not offer any comment on such at this stage.

Selection Criteria. I feel, limits the participation of many Indigenous Victorians, exp. 1. Experience in community forums and committees. 2. Knowledge and experience in identifying local issues, working to resolve them based on particular examples and out comes. 3. Knowledge or expertise in a key area that will contribute to the balance and skills of PAAC, and 4. Commitment to working in partnership with Government.
Unfortunately the Selection Criteria makes no mention or commitment to uphold Aboriginal Sovereignty of the State of Victoria. or the old lore of the Aboriginal people which some still adhere to.

Timetable for LINs and RICs application will be from Friday 5th September till 2pm on Monday 22 September 2008 filled with the Indigenous Community Engagement Brocker for the region. (Concerns were raised at the Notice and the short time left to respond.)

On 9th September 2008, The AEV had been requested to help clarify the issues, Email to AAV Simon Holmes Project Manger:- It would be appreciated if you could inform us of:-
1. The Eight LINs that have already established in different regions, 2. .the names of the two representatives in the each area 3.. and the region (area) that they represent.

Response received 6.30 Email from Simon.Holmes explaining that

"..so far 25 of the 38 have been established" .."There are some communities that are expected to form a LIN before the PAAC is finalised"Victoria is divided up into 8 regions. Each of these 8 regions will eventually have a Regional Indigenous Council (RICs). The RICs have not yet been established. When they are set up each LIN will send one man and one woman to represent them on their RIC.

I am also attaching a copy of the brochure, "A Voice for Indigenous Victorians". On page 10 is a map and list of all the Regions and all the LINs.

If you consider the attachment "A voice for Indigenous Victorians" you may note Local Indigenous Networks will be set up across Victoria by (now) July 2010. date has changed. Enclosed herewith a copy of LINs already established

"Once the LINs are established, eight Regional Indigenous Councils will be set up. Made up of two representatives from each LIN within the regions, the Councils will bring together the
priorities and plans of the LINs and link them with the existing Premier’s Aboriginal Advisory Council.

(Note the Northern and Western Metropolitan region, covers Thornbury, Fitzroy, Whittlesea, Broadmeadows. Werribee, Maribyrnong, where a very large part of the Aboriginal population now reside).

Conclusion Over the last twelve years or so there has been growing unrest and commuity discomfort in the performance of some Government funded Aboriginal organisation and Co-op, that may have neglected their duty of care to the Aboriginal community, Based on AEV own experience over many years dealing with these bodies, it would be within reason to suggest, that the final eight Regional Indigenous Council, Whose members are not connected in any way with Government funded Aboriginal organisation already existing, As this will easy the work load on them, and give new views and opinions to the Premiers Aboriginal Advisory Council.

Hoping this is of some assistance to you

Yours sincerely
Les McDonald
Chief Lore Office
Aboriginal Embassy Victoria