Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police apologises to First Peoples
On behalf of Victoria Police, Chief Commissioner Shane Patton APM apologised “unreservedly” to First Peoples for police actions since colonisation and continuing to the present day.
In a hearing at the Yoorrook Justice Commission, the Chief Commissioner said that “as a result of systemic racism, racist attitudes and discriminatory policies of police,’ injustices had “gone undetected, unchecked and unpunished.”
He stated that this injustice had caused “significant harm across generations of Aboriginal families.” Chair of the Yoorrook Justice Commission, Professor Eleanor Bourke AM, responded: “Your apology must bring real change.”
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For First Peoples, the criminal justice system has long been a site of systemic injustice. Learn more about the injustices in the criminal justice system by watching the videos below.
You can also view evidence, witness statements and transcripts from the criminal justice system hearings.
Other Topics
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Commissioners heard extensive evidence of past and ongoing racism and discrimination within Victoria’s health services, both for individuals requiring health care and Aboriginal organisations providing care. Learn more.
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Watch what Yoorrook has heard about systemic injustice experienced by First Peoples in Victoria in relation to health, education, housing and economic life.
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In yarns & submissions, First Peoples are telling Yoorrook about the importance of land, sky & water and the impact of colonisation. Hear what they have to say.
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The Yoorrook NAIDOC events included an Elders Panel that featured Yoorrook Chair Aunty Eleanor Bourke and Uncle Kevin Coombs.
Making a submission
All First Peoples who have experienced injustice in Victoria are strongly encouraged to make a submission to the Yoorrook Justice Commission.
