Tuesday, 17 June 2025

Members statements

Travis Lovett

Jacinta ERMACORA (Western Victoria) (14:37): Today I want to honour Gunditjmara man Travis Lovett. As deputy chair and commissioner of the Yoorrook Justice Commission he and all at the commission have been listening to and documenting historical and ongoing injustices experienced by First Nations people in Victoria. With the substantive work of the commission almost concluded, he is leading a Walk for Truth from Portland all the way to the steps of this Parliament. I was honoured to take part in the Mount Noorat leg of the walk on Sunday 1 June, and I learned more of the true history of where I am from and acknowledge that many places represent a history of trauma and sadness for First Nations people. The walk has been a powerful and a positive way to build shared understanding of these truths for all of us. I congratulate Travis and all the First Nations people involved in the Walk for Truth. It has been a truly positive and constructive message journey all the way through western Victoria, which is also my electorate.