Yoorrook Justice Commission opens to submissions from all Victorians

Callan Morse
Callan Morse Published June 15, 2023 at 9.30am (AWST)

Regardless of background, all Victorians can now make submissions to the Yoorrook Justice Commission, Victoria's truth-telling inquiry.

It comes as the Yoorrook Justice Commission extended an invitation on Thursday to all Victorians to take part in the truth-telling process, by making a submission that provides information about past or ongoing injustice experienced by First Peoples.

Yoorrook Justice Commission chair Professor Eleanor Bourke said the Commission valued contributions from all Victorians, calling truth-telling a 'two-way street'.

"Yoorrook has heard powerful evidence from First Peoples about the systemic racism, injustice and harm caused by the state against them and their families," Professor Bourke said.

"Often this involved reliving traumatic experiences and came at a significant personal toll.

"Now it is time for all Victorians to play their part in the truth-telling process - truth-telling must be a two-way street."

Previously, submissions were only open to the commission from Indigenous Victorians.

Submissions could include stories of interactions with First Peoples when Victoria was first settled.

This could include relationships between Aboriginal people and settlers, knowledge of early stories and beliefs, or information about the impact of colonisation on the Traditional Owners in the area.

"Every story, record and historical document helps build the body of evidence needed to create transformational change for First Peoples," Professor Bourke said.

"Coming together to acknowledge past injustice and resolve our differences is an important part of the healing process. Only then can we begin to create a better future for all Victorians."

In encouraging information to be presented that helps show the strength of First Peoples or the importance of culture, knowledge and tradition, Ms Bourke said participants can choose for their submission to go on public record.

"If you choose, your story can be part of Yoorrook's rich public archive, which is based on the principles of Truth, Understanding and Transformation," Professor Bourke said.

"The Archive will live on for future generations to explore."

Submissions can be made by individuals, families or groups via the Yoorrook Justice Commission website in any format including written, audio or video recorded, as well as photographs and historical documents.

The Commission is scheduled to run until mid-2025 before making recommendations to the Victorian Government.

   Related   

   Callan Morse   

Download our App

@natindigtimes
Article Audio

Disclaimer: This function is AI-generated and therefore may mispronounce.

National Indigenous Times

Disclaimer: This function is AI-generated and therefore may mispronounce.