Country plans support Traditional Owners in communicating their rights, cultural authority or interest in Country.
These plans are a valuable resource that can help inform partnership discussions between the transport portfolio and Victorian Traditional Owners.
Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010
The Victorian State Government is currently negotiating settlement agreements with Traditional Owner corporations under the Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010 (as an alternative settlement path to the Federal Native Title Act). Settlement agreements position Traditional Owners as full and equal partners with the State.
These agreements require the Department, MTIA and transport portfolio agencies to notify relevant Traditional Owner corporations about certain works on public land and to consult and negotiate before works commence.
Strategic framework for strong relationships and engagement between the Victorian Government and Traditional Owners of areas without formal recognition
This strategic framework sets out a pathway for improving relationships and engagement between the Victorian Government and Traditional Owners of Country over which formal recognition by the State has not occurred under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 (Vic), Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010 (Vic) or Native Title Act 1993 (Cth).
Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities
A shared commitment to equity, inclusion and diversity underpins the culture we are seeking to build across the transport portfolio. Our work in inclusion and diversity is underpinned by the responsibility of VPS Departments to adhere to the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities (2006) and aspire to take human rights into account in our day to-day work. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) describes self-determination as the ability for Indigenous people to freely determine their political status and pursue their economic, social and cultural development. It also describes self-determination as a right that relates to groups of people, not individuals.
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