Commissioner, Yoorrook Justice Commission (SES2)

Term: January 2024 – 30 June 2025 (Full-time and part-time position will be considered)

An Expression of Interest process is now open to recommend one extraordinary candidate for appointment as a Yoorrook Justice Commissioner. The candidate must possess legal qualifications and training and high-level expertise in law, ideally as a Judge, Commissioner, or similar role, and demonstrate impartiality, moral character and cultural integrity, and be empathetic and trauma informed.

As a group, the five Yoorrook Justice Commissioners should have knowledge and understanding of systemic disadvantage and its causes; expertise in First Peoples’ rights, community engagement,  transitional justice, government system reform and/or historical inquiries.

The Yoorrook Justice Commissioner will be required to perform the following duties:

• ensure all aspects of the Commission’s work is conducted in a culturally sensitive and trauma-informed way and is guided by priorities identified by Victorian Aboriginal communities
• hear testimonies and other evidence about First Peoples’ experiences since colonisation, including First Peoples’ ongoing strength and resilience
• inquire into and document laws, policies and practices that impacted on First Peoples since colonisation and their ongoing effects
• engage with the Victorian public to educate and inspire them about the truth-telling process
• hold events and commemorations organised in consultation with First Peoples
• prepare a report of their findings that will be an official record of the impact of colonisation on First Peoples in Victoria
• make recommendations about what can be done to address past and continuing systemic injustices, prevent their recurrence, and improve relationships between First Peoples and the State of Victoria and through building a shared history for all Victorians.

Please refer to the attached document outlining further details about the role, including the Key Selection Criteria.

Candidates must submit their Expression of Interest to [email protected], with the subject heading ‘Commissioner, Yoorrook Justice Commission’.

Expressions of Interest must include:

A resume outlining your professional and relevant personal experience (maximum 5 pages).

In a separate document (up to two pages), outlining your skills and experience that demonstrate how you meet the key selection criteria.

Please note: Shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo standard probity checks and declaration of private interests as part of the assessment process. This will help ascertain candidate suitability for appointment and identify any conflicts of interest that will require management. Findings made through probity checks may not necessarily exclude candidates from being considered, as they will be considered in the broader context of the candidate’s application. Similarly, conflict of interest considerations will be discussed with potential candidates.