A new survey of Victorians has found strong public support for truth-telling processes that centre the voices and experiences of First Nations peoples.

Our research provides one of the clearest indications yet that a majority of the Victorian public supports formal processes to acknowledge and discuss the historical and ongoing injustices experienced by First Nations peoples.

The research is part of a broader study we have conducted that also looks at Treaty, reconciliation, the Uluru Statement from the Heart and the First Nations Voice to Parliament.

Over one thousand people surveyed, almost two thirds support Truth-telling

The survey of 1,006 Victorians examined public attitudes towards truth-telling in the state. Respondents were asked whether they agreed with the statement that there should be truth-telling in Victoria, defined as a process that enables historic and ongoing injustices experienced by First Nations peoples to be discussed through centring Indigenous voices.

The results reveal that 65 per cent of Victorians support truth-telling, with respondents indicating they either agree or strongly agree that such processes should occur. In contrast, just 13 per cent expressed opposition, while 19 per cent remained neutral and a small proportion were unsure.

The findings are significant in the context of ongoing debates about reconciliation and the future of Indigenous policy in Australia. These results show that most Victorians are ready for a more honest conversation about our shared history. There is often a perception that truth-telling is controversial or lacks public support, but this survey demonstrates that a clear majority of people believe these conversations are important."

The data also reveals important demographic patterns in how Victorians think about truth-telling.

Strong support for Truth-telling among youth

Support is strongest among younger respondents. Among people aged 18 to 34, nearly eight in ten expressed support for truth-telling processes. Support remains strong across middle-aged groups but declines somewhat among older respondents. We suggest this generational divide may reflect differences in education, public discourse, and exposure to discussions about Australia's colonial history.

The survey also found differences between metropolitan and regional Victoria. While support remains a majority in both areas, 67 per cent of metropolitan respondents supported truth-telling compared with 56 per cent in rural areas.

Political affiliation also shapes attitudes, though perhaps not as starkly as public debate might suggest. Among those who identified with the Australian Greens, 88 per cent supported truth-telling, while 80 per cent of Labor supporters expressed support. Notably, around half of respondents identifying with conservative parties such as the Liberal Party and the Nationals also supported truth-telling.

These findings demonstrate that the idea of truth-telling extends beyond traditional political divisions. One of the important things this survey shows is that support for truth-telling is not limited to one political group. Even among voters who might normally be seen as more conservative, there is still significant support for processes that acknowledge the realities of Australia's past.

Community understanding of why Truth-telling matters

The survey also asked respondents to explain the reasoning behind their views. Among those who supported truth-telling, the most common response was that truth-telling is necessary to address historical injustice and support healing. Many respondents also emphasised the importance of education and the need for the broader public to better understand Australia's history.

Others pointed to the importance of respecting the voices of First Nations peoples and recognising the authority of Elders and communities to tell their own stories.

Respondents consistently said that understanding the truth about history is important not only for justice but for education. Many respondents felt that Australians cannot move forward as a nation without acknowledging the past honestly.

Among those who opposed truth-telling, the most common argument was that the events being discussed occurred in the past and that society should "move on". Some respondents also expressed concerns that such processes could create division or be overly politicised.

However, we note that opposition represents a relatively small proportion of the population. When those who opposed truth-telling were asked what might change their views, the majority indicated that nothing would persuade them to support such processes.

Victoria has shifted significantly

Despite this, the overall findings suggest that public opinion in Victoria has shifted significantly towards supporting truth-telling initiatives.

The survey comes at a critical time for the state. Victoria is currently progressing a range of initiatives related to truth-telling and treaty with First Nations peoples. These processes aim to create spaces for Furst Nations communities to share their histories and experiences in their own voices, while also informing broader public understanding.

The survey results demonstrate that the public is more ready for these conversations than political debates might suggest. There is often an assumption that Australians are resistant to these discussions, but what this research shows is that many people understand the importance of truth, education and recognition.

We believe these findings carry an important message for policymakers and institutions. Truth-telling is about listening. It is about learning and healing and building a more honest foundation for the future. The fact that most Victorians support this process suggests there is a strong public appetite for meaningful reconciliation.

As Australia continues to grapple with questions about how to address its colonial past and support the self-determination of First Nations peoples, the survey provides a timely reminder that many Australians are willing to engage in difficult but necessary conversations.

In Victoria at least, the data suggests that the public conversation around truth-telling may already be further advanced than many people realise.

Professor Emma-Jaye Gavin is a Garrwa Aboriginal scholar and the first Indigenous Professor of Truth-Telling in Australia.

Professor Andrew Gunstone is is a leading international authority on reconciliation and is Co-Chair Reconciliation Victoria.

Feature image information: The "Speaking Truth to Power - the Yoorrook Justice Commission and Truth-Telling Symposium" was organised by Professor Gunstone and Professor Gavin in 2025. Speakers were Commissioner Sue-Anne Hunter, Uncle Charles Pakana, Maria Dimopoulos AM, Professor Gavin, and Professor Gunstone. Uncle Andrew Gardiner, also pictured, delivered the Welcome to Country.