Yoorrook commission urges Victorians to lodge submissions as time ticks down

Nov 22, 2023

Yoorrook Justice Commission chair Professor Eleanor Bourke has urged Victorians to consider making a submission to the inquiry. Photo by contributed

Australia’s only truth-telling commission says Victorians have less than 12 months left to make submissions to it.

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The Yoorrook Justice Commission said it has heard from more than 3000 community members since it launched with a ceremonial sitting on March 24, 2022, including receiving evidence from around 800 First Peoples through submissions, roundtables and hearings.

“Yoorrook’s final report, due to be released in early 2025, will provide Victoria with a roadmap to end the systemic injustice faced by First Peoples,” commission chair Eleanor Bourke said.

“These submissions will contribute to an official public record of First Peoples’ experiences since colonisation. Please don’t miss out on this chance to have your say.

“Yoorrook’s recommendations to the Victorian Government and the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria will be informed by the evidence gathered. Now is the time to have your say.”

The commission said any Victorian could make a submission about past or ongoing systemic injustice faced by First Peoples in the state. Submissions can also be made about the strength, diversity and resilience of First Peoples’ cultures, knowledge and traditional practices.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for all Victorians to reckon with our past and suggest changes so we can build a better future for everyone,” Professor Bourke said.

“Whether your family has been here for a thousand generations or a few years, every submission will help tell the story of Victoria.

“Truth-telling is about listening, learning and understanding past and ongoing injustices so all Victorians can work towards a better-shared future for everyone in this place we all love.”

Submissions about systemic injustice faced by First Peoples can be made by individuals or organisations and can be in written, audio or video form, or pieces of artwork, song or dance. They can also include documents, artefacts, photographs or other information.

Free, independent legal advice and wellbeing support are available for First Peoples considering making a submission.

To find out more about how to make a submission, go to www.yoorrookjusticecommission.org.au

Submissions can be made until November 22, 2024.