What has Yoorrook heard about the education system
The Yoorrook Justice Commission 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.
Yoorrook has heard extensive evidence of past and ongoing racism and discrimination within the Victorian education systems.
“Since colonisation schools have played a significant role in reinforcing racist perceptions and stereotypes about First Peoples and perpetuating false narratives about colonial history… These effects can be seen in the racism that continues to be experienced by First Peoples students.”
– Ben Carroll, Victorian Education Minister
On this page are some of the responses Yoorrook has received as part of its inquiry.
What you've told us about Education
Education Submissions
Northland Digital Stories Series by Northlands Collective Mob is about the fight to keep Northland Secondary College open after the decision to close it in 1992 by the Kennett Government.
Education Hearing Videos
Watch all Education hearings
How could First Peoples’ history and culture be better taught at school?
Starting by being honest & taking full accountability in Australias past. Hearing first-hand about first-nations peoples experience from all ages. Teaching kids from a young age how they can support first-nations peoples & encouraging community support & activities. Ensuring that we uplift these communities & celebrate their culture.
- having a presence in school
- no excuse policy
- part of the curriculum
Curriculum made classes or direct cultural learning
Having it in more subjects, teachers are more informed about the topics.
Where do I begin? Our current system is better than it was in the 70s when I was at school, but it is still lacking. Teachers lack the knowledge and understanding to teach First Nations history and culture. They are coming fr9m a lifetime of mis truths and lies. Schools must build stronger ties with local mob. We as a society need to work with First Nations people to create true and accurate education material and it must be compulsory in all year levels and schools. It must be imbedded in the curriculum, not a once a year subject. Teachers need better training and cultural education at university, taught by First Nations people. Again this content needs to be crated with First Nations people. As a former teacher and ally, I know it’s well past time that our education system underwent change.
Educate them the truth and let them respect the culture and be aware of.
Have it as a subject as its own.
Make people aware of history.
I was in school in the 80s + 90s so there was no First Peoples history or culture taught, so I assume its better now. All students should be taught the truth of invasion + its aftermath, as well as Aboriginal culture more broadly
News, Stories and Videos
News & Stories
19 February 2025
What is Yoorrook up to in 2025?
Yoorrook represents Victoria’s commitment to understanding our shared history so we can build a better future together. The Commission has finalised its major hearing blocks and closed submissions. So, what is Yoorrook up to now?
News & Stories
18 December 2024
A powerful year for Truth and Treaty
In 2024 the Yoorrook Justice Commission investigated the systemic injustices faced by First Peoples in land, sky and waters, education, health, and housing. From hearing evidence at the site of the first recorded massacre in Victoria to the premier’s historic visit to Coranderrk, it has been a year filled with powerful moments.
News & Stories
31 July 2024
Yoorrook’s social justice hearings wrap up
Victoria’s truth telling commission has finished its social justice hearings, which looked into the systemic injustices faced by First Peoples in education, health, housing and the economy. Read on to find out more about key evidence and moments from the hearings.
Videos
2 July 2024
“White kids didn’t like me simply because I was black.”
Aunty Nellie Flagg shares with Commissioners firsthand experiences of racism at school.
Videos
27 June 2024
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll MP apologises for ongoing racism in schools
Victorian Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll MP apologises for ongoing racism in Victorian schools.
Videos
19 June 2024
If representation’s in the school, people feel connected and feel safer
Watch James Cumming, Principal of Reservoir East Primary School explain how the school creates a welcoming environment for First Peoples students.
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