The Hon. Anthony North KC appointed Commissioner of the Yoorrook Justice Commission

Former Federal Court Judge the Hon. Anthony North KC has been appointed as a Commissioner of Victoria’s formal truth telling process, the Yoorrook Justice Commission.

Commissioner North has had a long and distinguished legal career. Commissioner North served as a judge of the Federal Court of Australia from 1995 to 2018. For the past four-and-a-half years he has been Chair of the Victorian Law Reform Commission (VLRC).

During his time as a judge, Commissioner North’s main areas of work were cases about native title, refugee law, industrial law, and criminal appeals in the Australian Capital Territory Court of Appeal.

In his role as Chair of the VLRC Commissioner North has consulted extensively with First Nations organisations and community members on issues of social justice.

Chair of Yoorrook, Professor Eleanor Bourke said:

“I welcome the appointment of Commissioner North to the Yoorrook Justice Commission.

“This is a crucial period in the truth telling process. Yoorrook is undertaking concurrent inquiries into land, health, housing, education and economic, social and political life. Yoorrook will hold public hearings in the coming months and will complete its historic work by June 2025.

“As a former judge with a long and illustrious legal career, Commissioner North will bring invaluable experience and insight to Yoorrook as we work to fulfil the Commission’s extensive mandate. I welcome Commissioner North and look forward to working with him.”

Commissioner North said:

“I am honoured to contribute to the historic work of the Yoorrook Justice Commission. I hope that my skills and experience will help advance its work: to tell the truth of our history. That truth is the foundation for community understanding, which is necessary so that we can move towards a more just society.”

Commissioner North joins the Commission’s Chair Professor Eleanor Bourke, Deputy Chair Adjunct Professor Sue-Anne Hunter, Commissioner Travis Lovett and Commissioner Distinguished Professor Maggie Walter.

Commissioner North was formally appointed by the Governor of Victoria, Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC on Tuesday. He commenced in the role effective immediately.

Yoorrook is set to deliver its final report to the First Peoples Assembly of Victoria and the Victorian Government in the first half of 2025.