Yoorrook Justice Commission
Natalie HUTCHINS (Sydenham – Minister for Government Services, Minister for Treaty and First Peoples, Minister for Prevention of Family Violence, Minister for Women) (10:42): I rise to update the house that last month the Allan Labor government tabled the Yoorrook Justice Commission’s final report – a historic moment on our path to truth-telling and treaty. The report concluded the work of the commission, established in partnership with the First Peoples Assembly to investigate injustices experienced by First Peoples in Victoria since colonisation, including the impact of past and current government policies and actions. This is the first formal truth-telling inquiry of its kind in Australia, and the commission’s work will have significant impact on helping all Victorians better understand our history. The government acknowledges the immense undertaking of the commissioners and the commission staff in preparing these historic reports, and I give a shout-out and thanks to the head commissioner Aunty Eleanor Bourke.
We acknowledge the strength and courage of those who made submissions and gave evidence to the commission, and we share the Yoorrook Justice Commission’s goal of truth and justice and will carefully consider the commission’s final findings and recommendations. Yoorrook Truth Be Told is the official public record of Victoria’s history from the start of colonisation. It is a culmination of engagements with more than 9000 First Nations peoples, 208 witnesses, 65 public hearing days and more than 1300 submissions.