Minister for Environment, Hon. Steve Dimopoulos MP on the government exclusion of traditional owners

Minister for Environment, Hon. Steve Dimopoulos MP admits that between 2010-2023, the Victorian government received over $1.89 billion in revenue from grazing, forestry and public land licenses – but not a single dollar was distributed to traditional owners.

When pressed on why this equity mechanism failed to deliver for First Peoples, the Minister stated: “The real answer is the threshold was set in a way to exclude traditional owners. That’s the reality.”

The Yoorrook Justice Commission continues to look into systemic injustice like this through its land, sky and waters hearings.

Make a submission on land, sky and waters

More 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.

Other Topics

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History

Shed light on and learn the “hidden truth” of the colonisation of Victoria.
Close up hands performing a smoking ceremony at a Welcome to Country.

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.
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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.

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.
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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

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

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.
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Yoorrook Events

The Yoorrook NAIDOC events included an Elders Panel that featured Yoorrook Chair Aunty Eleanor Bourke and Uncle Kevin Coombs.
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Making a submission

All First Peoples who have experienced injustice in Victoria are strongly encouraged to make a submission to the Yoorrook Justice Commission.