Victoria launches nation-first ‘truth’ probe into historical and ongoing injustices committed against Aboriginal Australians
- The state government on Tuesday launched the Yoo-rrook Justice Commission
- The inquiry is named after the Wemba Wemba-Wamba Wamba word for ‘truth’
- Commission will examine injustices committed against Aboriginal Victorians
- It will help guide Victoria’s treaty negotiations with its Aboriginal communities
A nation-first inquiry will be held into the historic and ongoing injustices committed against Aboriginal Victorians.
The state government on Tuesday launched the Yoo-rrook Justice Commission, which is named after the Wemba Wemba-Wamba Wamba word for ‘truth’.
The inquiry, which will be independent of government and have the powers of a royal commission, will examine injustices committed against Aboriginal Victorians across all areas of social, political, cultural and economic life.
Aboriginal Affairs Minister Gabrielle Williams addresses the media during a press conference announcing the launch of an Indigenous reconciliation inquiry, in Melbourne
It will help guide Victoria’s treaty negotiations with its Aboriginal communities.
‘This is long overdue. It’s an acknowledgement that the pain in our past is present in the lives of people right now,’ Acting Premier James Merlino told reporters on Tuesday.
‘It’s a recognition that without truth, without justice you can’t have a treaty.’
He said more than 30 countries, including Canada, New Zealand and South Africa, had undergone a similar truth-telling process.
Left to right: Auntie Geraldine Atkinson and Acting Victorian Premier James Merlino, Aboriginal affairs advocate Marcus Stewart, Aboriginal Affairs Minister Gabrielle Williams and Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin AO are seen prior to a press conference announcing the launch of an Indigenous reconciliation inquiry, in Melbourne
The commission’s terms of reference were developed in partnership with the state’s First Peoples’ Assembly.
‘It’s hard to describe what this will mean for our old people, our ancestors, our elders who have fought decades and decades for this,’ assembly co-chair Marcus Stewart said.
‘We now have the opportunity to tell the true side of history – not a side that’s been dismissed, not a side that’s been denied.’
A search is underway for five commissioners to head the inquiry, with public hearings expected to begin by July.
Acting Victorian Premier James Merlino (left) is seen following a press conference announcing the launch of an Indigenous reconciliation inquiry
An interim report must be handed down within 12 months, with the inquiry expected to run for three years.
Premier Daniel Andrews had intended to attend the press conference but was taken to hospital after suffering a fall while getting ready for work.
‘I know … how passionate he is about this day and about this announcement,’ Mr Merlino said.
‘It would only have been a trip to the hospital that would have kept him away so unfortunately, that’s the case, but to be here today as acting premier in Dan’s absence is one of the proudest moments of my political life.’
Acting Victorian Premier James Merlino embraces Auntie Geraldine Atkinson following a press conference announcing the launch of an Indigenous reconciliation inquiry