In a historic move, Greek-Indigenous Andrew Jackomos, Victoria’s inaugural Aboriginal children’s commissioner, has been appointed as one of five distinguished members to a groundbreaking treaty authority.
This unique body is tasked with overseeing and facilitating negotiations between the state and Indigenous groups, heralding a significant step towards reconciliation.
Championing diversity, the independent panel recommended the appointment of individuals with extensive expertise.
Alongside Andrew Jackomos, the team includes Dr. Petah Atkinson, a Yorta Yorta woman and Monash University health researcher; Thelma Austin, a Gunditjmara woman with a wealth of experience as a cultural advisor and artist; Jidah Clark, a Djab Wurrung man and lawyer; and Duean White, a Biripi woman with a background in corporate, government, and not-for-profit sectors.
Next year, the Victorian government, under the guidance of the First Peoples’ Assembly, will initiate state-wide treaty negotiations.
The authority, led by co-chair Ngarra Murray, is positioned to ensure fairness throughout the process.
Andrew Jackomos, in particular, brings a wealth of experience and perspective as a key figure in Victoria’s Indigenous affairs, making him a vital contributor to this historic journey. Jackomos is also the inaugural First Nations member on the board of Victoria Legal Aid marking another significant milestone for indigenous representation.
As the First Peoples’ Assembly co-chair, Ngarra Murray expressed the significance of the authority’s role, stating, “You will be guiding us on a historic journey that will make our lives better.”
