18Functions of the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria

18 Functions of the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria

(1) The First Peoples' Assembly has the following functions—

(a) to represent First Peoples and make decisions in relation to First Peoples;

(b) to advocate for the interests of First Peoples;

(c) to represent First Peoples in Statewide Treaty negotiations and ongoing Statewide Treaty negotiations with the State;

(d) to make representations to—

(i) the Parliament and State government in relation to matters that affect First Peoples; and

(ii) authorities and State-funded service providers referred to in Part 8 in relation to matters that affect First Peoples;

(e) to make internal rules and substantive rules;

(f) to make guidelines and standards;

(g) to appoint the Chief Executive Officer of Gellung Warl in accordance with section 25;

(h) to appoint persons as Nginma Ngainga Wara members in accordance with Part 9;

(i) to appoint persons as Nyerna Yoorrook Telkuna members in accordance with Part 10;

(j) any function conferred on Gellung Warl that is not a function to be exercised by Nginma Ngainga Wara or Nyerna Yoorrook Telkuna;

(k) to engage in activities relating to capacity building in First Peoples' communities, including but not limited to the following—

(i) promoting the fundamental human rights of First Peoples, including the right to self-determination;

(ii) providing support, advice, education and information to First Peoples or in relation to First Peoples;

(iii) carrying out research in relation to issues that affect First Peoples;

(iv) managing and allocating funds provided to or generated by Gellung Warl for the benefit of First Peoples, including making grants;

(v) promoting the role of First Peoples community and organisations in the Victorian community, including facilitating relationships, connection and engagement;

Establishing a First Peoples' Institute.

(l) to provide information to Nyerna Yoorrook Telkuna and Nginma Ngainga Wara to guide Nyerna Yoorrook Telkuna and Nginma Ngainga Wara in the performance of their functions and the exercise of their powers;

(m) to participate in the ceremonial life of the State;

(n) to represent First Peoples in national and international forums;

(o) any other functions conferred on the First Peoples' Assembly by this Act or any other Act;

(p) any other functions conferred on the First Peoples' Assembly by or under any treaty agreed between First Peoples and the State.