Join us on the walk for truth

25 May - 18 June

About Yoorrook

The Yoorrook Justice Commission is the first formal truth-telling process into historical and ongoing injustices experienced by First Peoples in Victoria.

Yoorrook was set up by agreement between the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria and the Victorian Government, but operates independently of both.

Yoorrook delivered an interim report in June 2022, a critical issues report in August 2023, and will deliver final reports in 2025.

Yoorrook is led by five Commissioners, of whom 4 are Aboriginal and 3 are Victorian First Peoples. The Commissioners bring a vast range of knowledge and experience about First Peoples’ knowledge, systemic disadvantage, land rights, history, law, trauma and healing.

More about Yoorrook

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Areas of work

Health

Yoorrook has heard evidence of past and ongoing racism and discrimination within Victoria’s health services, both for individuals requiring health care and Aboriginal organisations providing care.

Elias Jarvis, Commission for Children and Young People Youth Council

Education

Yoorrook has heard evidence on the barriers First Peoples face in accessing all levels of education, as well as the racism many still endure within the system.

The big orange cliffs of Gunigalg, Gariwerd (Grampians) surrounded by green trees and blue sky

Land, sky and waters

Yoorrook has heard evidence on land, sky and waters, including thousands of generations of First Peoples caring for Country, ongoing connection and the impacts of colonisation.

Yoorrook Commissioners presenting the Yoorrook for justice report in their hands with the Yoorrook shield behind them

Criminal Justice System

For First Peoples, the criminal justice system has long been a site of systemic injustice. Drawing from the evidence it has heard on this, Yoorrook has delivered the ‘Yoorrook for Justice’ report with findings and recommendations.

The Wright Family. Aunty Donna, Aunty Joanne Farrant and Aunty Tina photo from the shoulders up

Child protection system

Yoorrook has heard evidence on an unbroken connection between colonial child removal practices and Victoria’s current child protection system. Drawing from this evidence, Yoorrook has delivered the ‘Yoorrook for Justice’ report with findings and recommendations.

Meet the truth receivers

Yoorrook's Truth Receivers assisted First Peoples community members to share their truths with the Commission.

View submissions

Listen and learn from submissions received by the Yoorrook Justice Commission.

4 copies of the Yoorrook for Justice report placed on top of grass at the Kings Domain monument in Narrm

Reports of the Yoorrook Justice Commission

Read reports and recommendations of the Yoorrook Justice Commission.

Videos

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5M 47S

Walk for Truth

Peter Sharp gives evidence into Deakin’s involvement in the Aborigines Protection Act 1886

Peter Sharp, a great grandson of former Prime Minister Alfred Deakin, gives the Commission evidence into Deakin’s involvement in the passage of the Aborigines Protection Act 1886.

News and Stories

Discover the latest updates on Yoorrook's work, inspiring stories of strength and resistance from First Peoples, insightful opinion pieces from Commissioners, and engaging videos about truth-telling and history

Cummeragunja walk-off

One of the first mass protests by First Peoples in Victoria’s history, it inspired action across the country for years to come

What is Yoorrook up to in 2025?

Yoorrook represents Victoria’s commitment to understanding our shared history so we can build a better future together. The Commission has finalised its major hearing blocks and closed submissions. So, what is Yoorrook up to now?

1965 Freedom Ride

In the 1965 Freedom Ride from ‍12-26 February, Arrernte man Charles Perkins led a group of university students across NSW to shine a light on injustice towards First Peoples.

Passing of the Constitution

The passing of the Constitution enabled Australia’s six British colonies to become one nation, the Commonwealth of Australia, on 1 January 1901. The Constitution didn’t acknowledge the long history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia.

The Immigration Restriction Act

On 23 December 1901 the Immigration Restriction Act became law. The colonies had restrictive immigration laws before federation, but the Act formalised the idea of a ‘White Australia’ as national policy.

A powerful year for Truth and Treaty

In 2024 the Yoorrook Justice Commission investigated the systemic injustices faced by First Peoples in land, sky and waters, education, health, and housing. From hearing evidence at the site of the first recorded massacre in Victoria to the premier’s historic visit to Coranderrk, it has been a year filled with powerful moments.