Mel Yuan for Brunswick

Rodney and Linda reached out on behalf of the MRRA asking for responses to their requests. I was slow to answer this and reflected on it for a long time. If elected, will I:

1. Advance Council’s policy Statement of Commitment to Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities of Merri-bek? Yes

2. Support the current Council’s decision to not hold citizenship ceremonies on January 26 Australia Day? Yes

3. Support continuing Council’s commitment to the development of Ballert Mooroop as a site of cultural significance for First Nations people on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country including urging the State Government to transfer the site’s title to Traditional Owners. Maybe. I am not briefed on this issue and would need further information.

4. Support public recognition of the Wurundjeri peoples as the Traditional Owners of the land that makes up Merri-bek including through dual naming, identifying places of historical and cultural significance and interpretative signage in public places? Yes

5. Support and advocate for the role of Local Government in Treaty including making reparations for past injustices? No. This is outside the scope of Local Government responsibilities outside merely ceremonial ones.

6. Consistently advocate for and support wherever possible the needs and requests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island residents of Merri-bek and in doing so seek advice and direction from the Council’s First Nations Advisory Committee? Yes

7. Use your power and influence to make the most of all opportunities to further Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander justice within Council, the community, business and with other spheres of government? Maybe. My priority is the just provision of services within Merri-bek’s remit including suitable consultation and advisory governance.