Make a submission on a critical issue

Respond to an issues paper

Why respond to an issues paper?

Yoorrook uses issues papers to focus attention on topics or themes First Peoples have identified as particularly important for truth telling.

An issues paper sets out high-level analysis about the topic and invites organisations and individuals to respond with information and analysis, evidence, and personal experiences.

When you make a submission in response to an issues paper, you help create a better understanding of how the issue affects First Peoples.

Please note that Yoorrook cannot investigate or change the outcomes of individual cases related to these issues. However by sharing your story with the Commission, you will help Yoorrook make recommendations for change.

Yoorrook is currently seeking submissions on:

The child protection system

Yoorrook is currently looking into injustices against First Peoples children and their families in the Victorian child protection system. We want to know about things like:

why are First Peoples children overrepresented in the child protection system?
how effectively do child protection and related agencies run the system?
what is it like as a parent or child dealing with the child protection system?
what ideas have already been put forward to improve the system?
what is stopping change or improvement from happening?

The issues paper also includes other key issues that you might like to respond to.

Please note that Yoorrook cannot investigate or change the outcome of individual cases within the child protection system. However, Yoorrook can and will expose the truth of systemic injustice and recommend changes.

Deadline for responses: 21 November 2022

Organisation submission

Individual submission

Read the issue paper

The criminal justice system

Yoorrook is looking into the systemic injustice experienced by First Peoples in the criminal justice system in Victoria. We want to know about things like:

why are First Peoples overrepresented at all stages of the criminal justice system?
how effectively do key agencies of the criminal justice system including police, courts and prisions operate?
what is it like for First Peoples dealing with the criminal justice system?
are there examples of good practice that should be adopted or expanded upon?
what ideas have already been put forward to improve the system?
what is stopping change or improvement from happening?

Please note that Yoorrook is not a court and cannot overturn or change decisions of courts such as findings of guilt or sentencing decisions. Yoorrook can and will expose the truth of systemic injustice and recommend changes so that these kinds of injustice are not continued.

Deadline for responses: 21 November 2022

Organisation submission

Individual submission

Read the issue paper