Yoorrook Justice Commission extends its deep thanks to Commissioner Kevin Bell

The Yoorrook Justice Commission extends its deep thanks to Professor the Honourable Kevin Bell AM KC who has resigned today from his role as Commissioner. Yoorrook Justice Commission Chair Professor Eleanor Bourke AM thanked Commissioner Bell for his tireless dedication to addressing injustice against First Peoples.

“On behalf of all Commissioners, I thank Commissioner Bell for his distinguished contribution to building a better future for First Peoples in Victoria. Commissioner Bell’s deep human rights and legal expertise has been critical to Yoorrook’s work. His passion and commitment to seeing the true history of Victoria brought to light through truth telling has been a great asset to Yoorrook since the Commission’s inception.

On a personal note, I thank Commissioner Bell for his support to me in my role as Chair and his unwavering commitment to advancing human and cultural rights for First Peoples and all Victorians.”

Commissioner Bell said “It has been an enormous honour and privilege to work with Yoorrook and everyone engaged in its processes.

“After several years at Yoorrook and the recent production of the Yoorrook for Justice Report it is time for me to explore other opportunities.

“I will remain always a strong supporter of its purposes and justice for the First Peoples of what is now known as Victoria.”

The Yoorrook Justice Commission is Victoria’s formal truth telling inquiry and the first of its kind in Australia. It was established through Letters Patent in May 2021 by the Victorian Government and the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria.

The work of the Yoorrook Justice Commission continues as planned. The Commission recently released its latest interim report Yoorrook for Justice: Report into the Child Protection and Criminal Justice Systems. The Yoorrook Justice Commission is due to conclude its work in June 2025.

ENDS

Media enquiries: Evan Schuurman, 0408 847 385, [email protected]