Thursday, 19 June 2025

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) (09:51): I rise to thank the Yoorrook Justice Commission – its workforce, its commissioners – for concluding their work on the longest royal commission that has been conducted in this state over four years and to thank all of those individuals who made submissions during that time. It takes a lot of bravery for someone to come forward and tell the story of their family and of themselves in regard to dispossession, trauma and the effects of colonisation. The commission itself has painted a picture of strength, resilience and resistance of First Peoples and unbroken connection to culture and to country.

The commission’s investigations have also highlighted the deep and structural inequalities that persist in our state. First Peoples have shared powerful truths and pasts, ongoing dispossession, racism and exclusion. These experiences have caused profound harm and continue to have a significant impact on First Peoples’ health and wellbeing and their social and economic opportunities. Only by knowing and accepting these truths can we move forward as a society. This is the writing of unrecognised history and is so significant. The handing over of the final report is a fantastic part of Victoria’s future.