Andrew Thorpe, a candidate for the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, has transitioned from a 20-year construction career to pursue a political role in the newly established treaty body, Gellung Warl. This assembly, formed following the signing of Australia's first treaty between the Victorian government and traditional owners in November, aims to empower Aboriginal communities by advising the government and implementing reforms. Thorpe, who has a background in activism and mental health advocacy, is one of 70 candidates competing for representation across five regions. The assembly will not have legislative powers but will focus on issues such as changes to the history curriculum and community infrastructure grants. Victoria stands out as the only state to have progressed to treaty, while other states, including New South Wales and Queensland, are either still in discussions or have halted their treaty processes. Opposition leader Jess Wilson has criticized the treaty approach, suggesting an alternative body to report to a single minister. The elections for the assembly opened on March 21 and will run until April 12, with the newly elected Gellung Warl set to commence in May.