Thursday, 28 October 2021

 Ms HUTCHINS (Sydenham—Minister for Crime Prevention, Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice, Minister for Victim Support) (09:45): The establishment of the Yoo-rrook Justice Commission is a historic opportunity for Aboriginal Victorians and non-Aboriginal Victorians to begin to listen and create a new historic record together—one that is based on respect, truth and justice. To know what we must do next in treaty we must face where we have been. We need to confront the true history of our state to move forward, no matter how uncomfortable or challenging this may be.

In recent weeks the commission has released its strategic priorities to June 2022. Priority 4 is to promote and look at a holistic reform agenda in the space of justice. Given the historical and contemporary trauma experienced in state custodial facilities by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, this will be an urgent focus for the commission. Whilst the commission does its work, we will continue to do ours with the Aboriginal community, led by the Aboriginal Justice Caucus, to ensure we continue to reduce over-representation and build an Aboriginal-led system. I encourage the Aboriginal Justice Caucus and all community stakeholders to ensure their experiences and expertise with the commission are engaged within the processes that they have in place, including making a submission. It is really important your voices are heard, that they are written into the historical record and that you can contribute to the consideration of recommendations to the government of the Yoo-rrook Justice Commission.