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The Yoorrook Justice Commission was Victoria's and Australia's first formal truth-telling inquiry into historic and ongoing systemic injustices perpetrated against First Peoples through colonisation, led by First Peoples.
Over four years, thousands of Victorians took part and shared their truths as formal evidence. Now we all have the chance to listen and learn from the truths shared with Yoorrook.
Final Reports
The Yoorrook Justice Commission's final interim report, Yoorrook for Transformation, and the final report, Yoorrook Truth be Told, were tabled in the Victorian Parliament on 1 July 2025.
Yoorrook for Transformation consists of five volumes, with a companion Summary Report. It contains a detailed and forensic analysis of the evidence presented to Yoorrook, from land injustice to health and housing, and presents conclusions about the impact of systemic injustices faced by First Peoples in Victoria. In this report, the Commission makes 100 recommendations for reform.
Yoorrook Truth be Told is the Official Public Record and draws on the evidence given to Yoorrook, in addition to secondary sources, to provide a detailed account of the history of the State of Victoria from the start of colonisation. Written in the tradition of First Peoples’ approach to storytelling, it blends oral history, collective memoir and rigorous research to offer a new perspective on colonial history—a reclamation of Victoria’s past that privileges voices and stories previously overlooked or deliberately suppressed.
State Library Victoria is host of the Official Public Record as caretaker in trust.
History
For tens of thousands of years, First Peoples cared for Country, living with rich cultures, languages and knowledge systems. That changed with colonisation, which brought dispossession, violence, stolen generations, and systemic injustice—impacts that continue today.
The Commission
Generations of First Peoples have called for truth-telling—for the stories of injustice, survival, and resilience to be formally heard and acknowledged. In response, Yoorrook was established as the first formal truth-telling inquiry in Australia.
Truth-Telling Commission in Australia
Engagements with First Peoples
Submissions received
Public hearing days
Events including community information sessions, speaking engagements, Elders yarns and roundtable discussions
Documents from government agencies, education providers and other organisations
Shared Truths
Over its journey, Yoorrook visited communities across Victoria, creating culturally safe spaces for First Peoples to share their truths. Thousands of submissions were received—personal stories, historical records, visual artworks, and oral testimonies.
This collection is a living archive, preserving truth for future generations and informing action today.
Focus Areas
Yoorrook’s truth-telling process was designed to leave no part of life unexamined. The Commission investigated how colonisation and systemic injustice have shaped First Peoples’ experiences across vital areas.
These areas are deeply connected, with injustice in one area rippling into others.
By understanding this interwoven picture, the Truths received by Yoorrook highlight not
only the scale of harm, but also the strength, resilience and solutions that First Peoples have carried forward.
Reports
Yoorrook’s reports are more than just documents—they are a roadmap for systemic change. Based directly on the truths shared, these reports demand action from government, institutions, and all Victorians.
