Yoorrook hearings investigate systemic racism in Victoria’s criminal justice system
At a Yoorrook hearing, Secretary of the Department of Justice and Community Safety, Kate Houghton, acknowledged that one of the primary drivers of overrepresentation of First Peoples in the criminal justice system is the existence of systemic racism.
Recent Videos
![Image](https://yoorrookjusticecommission.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/yoorrookforjusticethumb-2.png)
Yoorrook for Justice: Report into Victoria’s Child Protection and Criminal Justice Systems
Oct 10, 2023
Child protection system
Criminal justice system
![Image](https://yoorrookjusticecommission.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/yfj-recommendations.png)
Recommendations: Yoorook Report into Victoria’s Child Protection and Criminal Justice Systems
Oct 10, 2023
Child protection system
Criminal justice system
![Image](https://yoorrookjusticecommission.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/shane-apology-thumbnail.jpg)
Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police apologises to First Peoples
Jun 6, 2023
Criminal justice system
![Image](https://yoorrookjusticecommission.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/trav-thumbnail.jpg)
Yoorrook Commissioner Travis Lovett questions the Minister for Police about accountability for deaths in custody
Jun 6, 2023
Criminal justice system
![Image](https://yoorrookjusticecommission.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/tony-mcavoy-thumbnail.jpg)
Tony McAvoy SC questions the Minister for Police about injustices experienced by First Peoples at the hands of police
Jun 6, 2023
Criminal justice system
![Image](https://yoorrookjusticecommission.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/anthony-video-thumbnail.jpg)
Minister for Police the Hon. Anthony Carbines MP speaks to the lingering colonialism within state organisations
Jun 6, 2023
Criminal justice system
![Image](https://yoorrookjusticecommission.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/shane-patton.jpg)
Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police speaks about independent police oversight
Jun 6, 2023
Criminal justice system
![Image](https://yoorrookjusticecommission.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/remand.jpg)
Yoorrook hears about increasing number of First Peoples on remand
Jun 6, 2023
Criminal justice system
![Image](https://yoorrookjusticecommission.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/shane-patton-thumbnail.jpg)
“I understand this uniform can be a symbol of fear.” – Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police Shane Patton
Jun 6, 2023
Criminal justice system
![Image](https://yoorrookjusticecommission.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/day-10-web.png)
Child protection and criminal justice systems hearing day 10, 15 May 2023
May 15, 2023
Child protection system
Criminal justice system
More Criminal Justice System Videos
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
![Close up hands performing a smoking ceremony at a Welcome to Country.](https://yoorrookjusticecommission.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Social-injustice-week-1.jpg)
Housing Videos
Yoorrook heard how today’s housing crisis stems from colonisation. Darren Smith, from Aboriginal Housing Victoria, said “you can draw a line”. Learn more.
![Image](https://yoorrookjusticecommission.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Social-injustice-week-2-2.jpg)
Health Videos
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.
![Aunty Jill Gallagher and Sheree Lowe discuss the health system in the Yoorrook hearing room.](https://yoorrookjusticecommission.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/social-justice-thumb.jpg)
Social Justice Videos
Watch what Yoorrook has heard about systemic injustice experienced by First Peoples in Victoria in relation to health, education, housing and economic life.
![Image](https://yoorrookjusticecommission.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/email-land-sky-and-waters.jpg)
Land Injustice videos
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.
![Jedah wearing Aboriginal Body Art outdoors infront of a fire put while discussing how the Victorian education system be improved for First Peoples](https://yoorrookjusticecommission.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/education-thumbnail.png)
Education videos
How do First Peoples students experience the Victorian education system and how could it be improved? Yoorrook is looking into the barriers First Peoples face in accessing all levels of education, as well as the racism many still endure within the system. Now is the time to have your say by making a submission.
![Yoorrook For Justice: Report into Victorias child protection and criminal justice systems](https://yoorrookjusticecommission.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/newsletter-yoorrook-for-justice.jpg)
Yoorrook for Justice
The Yoorrook for Justice report is the culmination of Yoorrook’s year-long inquiry into Victoria’s child protection and criminal justice systems.
![Image](https://yoorrookjusticecommission.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/yoorrook-events-Aunty-Eleanor.jpg)
Yoorrook Events
The Yoorrook NAIDOC events included an Elders Panel that featured Yoorrook Chair Aunty Eleanor Bourke and Uncle Kevin Coombs.
![Image](https://yoorrookjusticecommission.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/713A0057-r.jpg)
Making a submission
All First Peoples who have experienced injustice in Victoria are strongly encouraged to make a submission to the Yoorrook Justice Commission.