Public Hearings: 26 April to 6 May 2022

The purpose of these hearings was to listen to Victorian First Peoples’ Elders whose experiences illustrate many of the key impacts of colonisation still felt today.

The issues examined at the hearings included:

• The importance and scope of Treaty and truth-telling
• Dispossession of First Peoples from their lands and waters
• Ongoing dispossession by law and systemic injustice
• Removals of children
• Responsibility of the State and State entities for First Peoples’ dispossession
• Constitutional, structural and justice reforms

In addition, on 5 May 2022, the Co-Chair of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, Marcus Stewart appeared at the hearing. On 6 May 2022, the Victorian Minister for Treaty and First Peoples, Gabrielle Williams MP appeared before the Commission.