Is justice for the First Nations of this land getting any closer? What exactly can the Voice to Parliament achieve? What can we expect between now and the referendum? And after the referendum? Voice First vs Treaty First – is the conflict real or artificial? How can we ensure a lively and constructive national conversation?
On Wednesday 22nd March, Conversation at the Crossroads is launching VOICES: The Lunchtime Series, addressing often neglected questions that will vitally affect the human future.
Fittingly, we have chosen as the topic of our first Conversation Voice, Treaty, Truth Telling: What? When? How? – an issue of national and international significance.
Two powerful, articulate voices will introduce the conversation: Marcus Stewart, Co-Chair of the First Peoples Assembly of Victoria, and Tjanara Goreng Goreng, National Convener of the Foundation for Indigenous Recovery Australia (FIRDA).
We will explore whether Australia is ready to move beyond the trauma of European colonisation. Will the referendum on the Voice to Parliament deliver justice to the First Nations of this land? If so, how? Will it create a pathway to Treaty and Truth Telling? How can we ensure a vigorous and constructive national conversation before and after the referendum?
If you live, work, shop, dine or have any reason to be in or near the Melbourne CBD, this is a unique opportunity to join us in person. We have chosen a delightful venue set within the picturesque Flagstaff Gardens. There will be refreshments and the opportunity to converse and network with others. The venue seats only 100, so it will be first come, first served.
In Conversation with: Tjanara Goreng Goreng
Tjanara Goreng Goreng is a Wakka Wakka Wulli Wulli traditional owner from Central Queensland, who served as National Co-Convenor of the Australian Greens First Nations Network (2018-2023). She is the CoFounder and National Convenor of the Foundation for Indigenous Recovery Australia (FIRDA); and CEO of One INMA Global, a transformational leadership consultancy. Tjanara gained her PhD at the ANU, and currently lectures in the ANU’s Crawford School of Public Policy.
In Conversation with: Marcus Stewart
Marcus is a Nira illim bulluk man of the Taungurung Nation and elected Co-Chair of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria. Prior to that, Marcus was CEO of the Federation of Victorian Traditional Owners Corporations. With over 20 years’ experience in a wide-ranging career, Marcus is a natural leader, highly regarded for his drive and commitment to achieve both systemic and structural reform to improve the lives of First Nations communities and Traditional Owners.