The Yoorrook Justice Commission has appointed a new commissioner, Travis Lovett, a Kerrupmara Gunditjmara Traditional Owner, who has held senior leadership roles in the Victorian Public Service.
The commission says Mr Lovett has extensive experience working to improve the rights and lives of First Nations people, including across several Victorian Government departments, in youth services, justice and the not-for-profit sector.
He also played a key role in the expansion and reform of the Magistrates’ and Children’s Koori Courts across Victoria.
“Commissioner Lovett brings significant professional experience, depth of cultural knowledge and connection to community,” commission chair Aunty Eleanor Bourke said.
“As a Victorian Traditional Owner with extensive experience, Commissioner Lovett’s insights will be invaluable to Yoorrook as the commission builds its recommendations to right the wrongs of the past.”
Mr Lovett, whose Kerrupmara Gunditjmara clans are from the western regions of Victoria, said he was humbled to serve on the nation’s first truth-telling commission.
“Yoorrook is our people’s opportunity to tell Victoria our story, the full story, the truthful story,” he said.
“Yoorrook offers the entire Victorian community the historic chance to listen, learn and, through recommendations for change, move forward together into a better future. I am deeply honoured to be a part of this commission.”
Mr Lovett replaces Dr Wayne Atkinson, a Yorta Yorta-Dja Dja Wurrung Elder, who resigned from the commission last year.
Mr Lovett will formally join fellow Yoorrook commissioners, Professor Eleanor Bourke (chair and Wergaia/Wamba Wamba Elder), Sue-Anne Hunter (deputy chair and proud Wurundjeri and Ngurai Illum Wurrung woman), Distinguished Professor Maggie Walter (proud Palawa woman) and former Supreme Court judge Kevin Bell, in his role on March 6.
Yoorrook will hold two rounds of public hearings between February 27 and March 31 as part of its inquiry into the systemic injustices experienced by First Nations people in Victoria’s criminal justice and child protection systems.
The commission will produce a critical issues report in mid-2023 to detail its findings and make recommendations to the Victorian Government for reform.