The Yoorrook Justice Commission is turning its attention to the harm done to First Nations people by unjust laws and practices within Victoria’s criminal justice and child protection systems.
Victoria’s truth commission, the first of its kind in Australia, will begin two weeks of public hearings on Monday, December 5, to investigate the harm done to First Nations people through their experiences with the justice and child protection systems.
“These hearings form a key part of the truth-telling process,” commission chair Eleanor Bourke said.
“It is vital that all Victorians understand the true story of the invasion and colonisation of First Peoples’ lands, and the devastating and lasting impact it continues to have," Professor Bourke, a Wergaia and Wamba Wamba Elder, said.
About 50 witnesses are set to give evidence during the hearings, including representatives from Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and service providers.
“Aboriginal people are severely over-represented within both the child protection and criminal justice systems, and the situation is getting worse in many respects,” Professor Bourke said.
“Yoorrook will investigate the reasons why current approaches continue to fail First Peoples. It will examine why governments are removing our children from their families and communities at the worst rate in the country and why they are imprisoning our people at rising rates, with continued deaths in custody.
“The testimony provided to Yoorrook will help form the evidence base needed to make recommendations to address systemic injustices and build a better future for all Victorians based on truth and justice.”
Another two rounds of hearings will be held in February and March 2023.
The commission is still taking submissions from First Peoples through its website, https://yoorrookjusticecommission.org.au/