Thursday, 19 June 2025

Yoorrook Justice Commission

Gayle TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Water) (10:14): I rise to acknowledge the powerful and deeply moving Walk for Truth. Part of the important work of the Yoorrook Justice Commission, this extraordinary walk began in Portland on 25 May and concluded at Parliament House yesterday. Led by the Yoorrook deputy chair commissioner Travis Lovett, a proud Gunditjmara man, this 25-day journey through places deep with cultural and historical significance included visits to communities such as Warrnambool and Colac. In Geelong hundreds of people walked by his side at Transvaal Square to St Helens boat ramp last week. The Walk for Truth gave communities across western Victoria the opportunity to share stories, listen, learn and walk together towards justice. It is a reminder of the deep strength and ongoing contributions of our First Nations people and celebrates the oldest living culture in the world. I pay tribute to everyone who supported the Walk for Truth – elders, community members and allies alike. May we honour the spirit of truth-telling as together we walk towards a better future for our First Peoples and for all Victorians.