“Police investigating police especially in areas of Aboriginality – I don’t see how we will ever be able to gain the confidence of the Aboriginal community and the faith in the system” Listen to Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police Shane Patton APM discuss what has led him to move positions on independent police oversight at a hearing of the Yoorrook … Read More
Yoorrook hears about increasing number of First Peoples on remand
In the year ending 2022, 89% of First Peoples in prison in Victoria were on remand, meaning they in custody but unsentenced. Yoorrook heard that many of those on remand may not have received a custodial sentence if found guilty. Most were refused bail due to changes to Victorian bail laws in 2018, which meant repeat non-violent offenders had to … Read More
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.
The Wright family continue their mother’s fight for justice by giving evidence to the Yoorrook Justice Commission
“When our grandmother came home, she said her house was burnt down and she didn’t know where her children were.” Sisters Aunty Donna and Aunty Tina Wright, and Aunty Joanne Farrant, with support from their brother Sonny Wright, shared their family’s truth with the Yoorrook Justice Commission in an on-Country hearing. Their evidence was played at a Yoorrook hearing investigating … Read More
“I understand this uniform can be a symbol of fear.” – Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police Shane Patton
“I understand this uniform can be a symbol of fear… I am deeply and truly sorry for this impact.” Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police Shane Patton APM told Yoorrook Commissioners in a hearing on May 8, 2023. Chief Commissioner Patton apologised to First Peoples in what he described as a “watershed moment.”
Yoorrook Commissioner Hunter responds to the Minister for Child Protection and Family Services
Responding to an apology from Victoria’s Minister for Child Protection and Family Services, The Hon. Lizzie Blandthorn MLC in which she acknowledged the impact of child removals, Yoorrook Commissioner Sue-Anne Hunter said: “Our children should be able to grow up healthy, happy, strong, connected, knowing their culture and who they are in themselves. But for thousands of our children involved … Read More
How we can support you
Yoorrook has free and confidential social and emotional wellbeing and legal supports available for you. Speaking to Yoorrook about your experiences can sometimes feel too much. While some people get by really well and have strong support networks already, Yoorrook recognises this isn’t the case for everyone. Free, confidential and safe social and emotional wellbeing support is available to people … Read More
How to make a submission
Yoorrook, Victoria’s truth telling Commission, invites First Peoples to tell us about your experiences of injustice. You can share the truth about any injustice you like by making a submission. For example truths about: your local area your family’s experiences experiences of racism, forced removal from home and land, massacres, forced labour, cultural loss, intergenerational trauma, economic disadvantage and stolen … Read More
