About Yoorrook
The first formal truth-telling process into historical and ongoing injustices against First Peoples in Victoria.
Yoorrook is Australia’s first truth-telling body with the legal powers of a Royal Commission.
At every step of the way, Yoorrook faced the unique challenge of evaluating the cultural appropriateness of how a Royal Commission ‘ordinarily’ functions and transforming these processes to ensure First Peoples’ voices and ways of knowing, being and doing were at the centre of every decision.
Throughout its inquiries, the Commission heard from First Peoples across Victoria who shared stories of dispossession, survival, resistance and hope. These were not abstract histories—they were lived experiences of injustice; passed down through generations; carried in bodies, memories, and Country. From remote communities to city streets, from Elders to young people, the Commission heard the truth of how colonisation continues to shape the lives of First Peoples today.
In doing so, Yoorrook bore witness to the enduring strength of First Peoples’ cultures, languages and knowledge systems as living, evolving expressions of identity and sovereignty. The Commission supported witnesses in ways that upheld cultural safety, allowing stories to be shared with dignity and care. It honoured the right of First Peoples to control how their truths were recorded and preserved at the Commission, applying Indigenous Data Sovereignty protocols to protect First Peoples’ information.
And in every decision—from the interpretation of its Letters Patent to the shape of its inquiries and recommendations—Yoorrook centred the perspectives of Victorian First Peoples, proposing changes not only to laws and policies, but to the systems, policies and processes that have long denied justice.
Learn more about the Yoorrook Justice Commission
About the Yoorrook Justice Commission
Named after the Wemba Wemba/Wamba Wamba word for ‘truth’, the Yoorrook Justice Commission was established in May 2021. Yoorrook was set up to share and record evidence about the ongoing impact of colonisation on First Peoples.
The history of the Yoorrook Justice Commission
Learn about the significant moments that shaped the Yoorrook justice commission.
Where Yoorrook went
Yoorrook travelled across the state engaging directly with First Peoples and other Victorians to gather testimonies and understand the ongoing impacts of colonisation.
Meet the Commissioners
The Commissioners bring a vast range of knowledge and experience about First Peoples’ knowledge, systemic disadvantage, land rights, history, law, trauma and healing.
Yoorrook's Truth Receivers
Yoorrook's Truth Receivers assisted First Peoples community members in sharing their truths with the Commission.
Data usage and Indigenous Data Sovereignty
In line with its mandate, Yoorrook became the first inquiry or Royal Commission in Australian history to embed Indigenous Data Sovereignty principles into the very fabric of its work— the collection, handling, storage and use of First Peoples’ information.
Information storage, access, and removal
Find out how submissions are safely stored and accessed, as well as our process for removal by request.
About our logo
Yoorrook's logo was created by artist Dixon Patten. Learn its meaning.
Reports and Recommendations
Read the official reports and recommendations of the Yoorrook Justice Commission.
Yoorrook for Transformation
Third Interim Report: A five-volume comprehensive reform report presenting evidence and findings on systemic injustices, and specific recommendations for meaningful change to transform the future, will be available in the coming month.
Truth Be Told
An official public record that documents First Peoples experiences since colonisation, preserves crucial testimonies for future generations and creates an enduring resource for education and understanding, will be available in the coming month.
Recommendations for change
Yoorrook Justice Commission’s recommendations for truth-telling, justice, and systemic reform in Victoria.
