Submissions Library

Thomas Marks is a Wotjobaluk/Gunaikurnai man.

In this video submission, originally produced for the Disability Royal Commission, Thomas decribes the lifelong impact of being part of the Stolen Generations.

Denise Sweet is a Bundjalung Gumbaynggirr woman currently on Wergaia country.

This submission is a transcript of Denise Sweet recounting her family’s experiences of injustice since colonisation.

This submission is from a a Barkindji/ Yorta Yorta/ Wiradjuri/ Mutti Mutti woman.

It details her experience in the foster care system, which led to trauma, drugs and alcohol, and their subsequent positive experince and sobriety through Bunjilwarra.

Barry Jacobs is a Jindali man who grew up in Geelong.

This submission focuses on Barry’s experiences growing up, attempts to learn about his culture, and his experiences with police and mental health system.

The Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency (VACCA) is the Peak voice for Aboriginal children in Victoria.

This submission looks at: Aboriginal family violence in Victoria; the Victorian Government’s family violence reform agenda; the child protection system’s response to family violence; family violence service delivery; policing and legislative responses to family violence; MARAM and VACCA’s leadership in embedding a cultural lens; consistency across jurisdictions; the implementation of international treaties and declarations; the intersection of family violence and homelessness; and reform priorities.

Alan Coe is a proud Wiradjuri, Gadigal and Yorta Yorta man. This submission is about Mr. Coe’s life experiences, the importance of family and community, what he sees as the key issues facing our mob, and his hopes for the future.

This submission is from a Darung person who grew up in Dandenong. It recounts experiences with family violence, addiction, and interactions with the justice and child protection systems. It also decribes the importance of connection with Aboriginality and the benefits of services like Bunjilwarra.

Aunty Daphne Milward is a Yorta Yorta and Wiradjuri woman.

This submission tells the story of Aunty Daphne’s life including her education, working life, involvement with the Aboriginal Advancement League, insights from being a prison visitor, and the interconnectedness of community.

This submission details the experiences of Briony, a 15 year old Aboriginal girl who lives in Victoria with her two parents and older sister. She has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and significant learning difficulties. Briony’s story highlights key issues with the education system and the impacts of police using personal safety intervention orders against Aboriginal children with disabilities.

Melbourne Community Legal is an independent community legal centre working for social purpose in the inner Melbourne area. The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service was established in 1973 to provide culturally safe legal and community justice services to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people across Victoria.

This submission, the report Policing COVID-19 in Victoria: Exploring the impact of perceived race in the issuing of COVID-19 fines during 2020, outlines “findings about the injustice First Nations people are experiencing in Victoria and provides evidence of racial profiling by Victoria Police”.