Separation of the Federation of Victorian Traditional Owner Corporations and First Nations Legal & Research Services
“Strong partnerships are based on give and take, on robust discussion and shared values. The Federation of Victorian Traditional Owner Corporations and First Nations Legal & Research will continue to share a vision, of our People being in the driver’s seat of decision-making and control of cultural heritage and Country, realised from different perspectives.”
Rodney Carter, Chair, Federation
From 2017 to 2022, the Federation of Victorian Traditional Owners (Federation) and First Nations Legal & Research (First Nations) worked together to realise a shared vision of Traditional Owners strong on Country and leading the social, political, economic and cultural landscape. They have been two strong, resolute vehicles facilitating and amplifying Traditional Owner voices to self-determine their futures and to build on and strengthen collective interest and opportunities.
“It is important to us that Traditional Owners feel that our work, as their native title lawyers, is without influence. We are seeking to address concerns about the structural relationship with Federation whilst continuing to hold ourselves to the highest standard of confidentiality and cultural safety.”
Ken Stewart, Chair, First Nations
Following targeted community consultation and strategic review in early 2022, the First Nations Board wrote to the Federation Board proposing de-coupling through Federation withdrawing as the sole member of FNLRS. The First Nations and Federation Boards acknowledged that de-coupling would better meet community expectations for accountability and respond to a perceived need for there to be a clearer distinction between the roles of each organisation.
“We have and will continue to operate as separate bodies, striving to realise a shared vision through our very different work. Today we have enacted our commitment to listening and responding to Traditional Owners, making our process more robust and outcomes stronger.”
Paul Paton, CEO, Federation
As a result, from 1 July 2022 the Federation was no longer a member of First Nations and was therefore not responsible for appointing the Directors of First Nations. The cohort of First Nations Directors at that date remain unchanged until future appointment processes are put in place. There are no changes to the Federation’s governance arrangements.
“As the native title services provider for Victorian Traditional Owners, FNLRS has a responsibility to Traditional Owners that is legal, statutory and cultural. Today we have shown our commitment to realise change in their interests.”
Tony Kelly, CEO, First Nations
The separation of the organisations will allow both to evolve independently and provide a clearer distinction as to the different roles, functions and services delivered by Federation and First Nations. Both organisations committed to:
continue their work with the same determination and commitment,
continue to support agreement making including native title, settlement agreement and treaty process, and
continue to protect the current and potential rights and interest of Traditional Owners, including those in areas without formal recognition.