The History of YJC

First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria calls for a truth and justice process

Building on decades of First Peoples’ activism, the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria calls on the Victorian Government to work towards establishing a truth and justice process. 

The Victorian Government answers the call

The Victorian Government announces its commitment to a truth and justice process, designed to run in parallel to the Victorian Treaty process. 

Design of the form and mandate of the truth and justice process

The Assembly and Victorian Government work together to design the form and mandate of the truth and justice process based on consultation with First Peoples across Victoria. 

Announcement of Yoorrook Justice Commission and call for Commissioners

The Yoorrook Justice Commission is formally announced, and an Expression of Interest process begins for Commissioners. Yoorrook’s historic mandate is to inquire into both historical and ongoing injustices against First Peoples in Victoria since colonisation. It will establish an official record of the impact of colonisation on First Peoples in Victoria, as well as make recommendations for practical actions and reform needed in Victoria to acknowledge historical injustices and address ongoing injustices. 

Commissioner candidates shortlisted

The Expression of Interest process for Commissioners closes with shortlisted candidates publicly announced, followed by a public comment period. 

Commissioners appointed and Yoorrook established

Yoorrook’s five Commissioners are announced and Yoorrook is legally established with the powers of a Royal Commission. 

Yoorrook launch and ceremonial sitting

Yoorrook holds a ceremonial sitting at Charcoal Lane. 

Hearings with Elders

Public hearings are held to listen to Elders’ truth. The First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria and Victorian Government appear to give their initial evidence to the Commission. 

March to June 2022, Elders' yarning circles 

Commissioners hold 29 yarning circles with 200 Elders across the state to listen to Elders’ truths and priorities for Yoorrook. 

Interim report

Yoorrook Justice Commission delivers its interim report Yoorrook with Purpose. 

Focus on child protection and criminal justice begins

Yoorrook focuses its inquiry on injustice against First Peoples in the child protection and criminal justice systems, and continues to examine priorities for Treaty. 

Hearings about the child protection and criminal justice systems begin

Public hearings are held with Aboriginal leaders, experts and service providers giving evidence about injustice within Victoria’s criminal justice and child protection systems. 

Hearings about the child protection and criminal justice systems continue

A second round of public hearings focused on Victoria’s child protection and criminal justice systems is held. The Commission hears evidence from Community members who have experienced injustice within these systems. 

Directions Hearings

Two directions hearings are held to examine the Victorian Government’s non-compliance with the Commission’s orders to produce evidence. A new timetable and extension to Yoorrook’s mandate is agreed. 

Hearings about the child protection and criminal justice systems continue

A third round of public hearings focused on Victoria’s criminal justice and child protection systems is held. The Commission hears evidence from Government Ministers and public servants responsible for administering these systems. 

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton apology

Appearing before the Yoorrook Justice Commission, Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton delivered a formal and unreserved apology on behalf of the force for its role in carrying out harmful policies against First Peoples.  

Second interim report

Yoorrook delivers its second report Yoorrook for Justice: Report into Victoria’s Child Protection and Criminal Justice Systems.

The report contains 46 recommendations for reform.

Focus on land, sky and water begins

Yoorrook focuses its inquiry on injustice against First Peoples in relation to land, sky and waters, and continues to examine priorities for Treaty. 

Focus on health, education and housing begins

Yoorrook focuses its inquiry on injustice against First Peoples in health, education and housing. 

Focus on economic prosperity begins

Yoorrook focuses its inquiry on economic development opportunities for First Peoples. 

Yoorrook opened its public hearings into land, sky and waters on Gunditjmara Country in the state’s south-west

Public hearings are held to gather evidence from Traditional Owners, Government Ministers, historians and academics on injustices against First Peoples related to land, sky and waters. 

Hearings into land, sky and waters continue

Yoorrook held hearings about water injustice at Margooya Lagoon on Tati Tati Country near Robinvale in northwest Victoria.  

The Premier of Victoria, the Hon Jacinta Allan MP visited the former Coranderrk Aboriginal Mission near Healesville in the heart of Wurundjeri Country.  

On 29 April 2024 Premier Allan appeared before the Commission; the first head of government in Australian history to appear before a truth-telling commission led by Aboriginal Commissioners.   

Senior representatives from the Anglican, Catholic and Uniting churches appeared before the Commission.

Hearings about health, housing, education and economic justice

Public hearings are held to gather evidence from Traditional Owners, Government Ministers, service providers and institutions on injustice in the health, housing and education systems. 

Final reports

Yoorrook delivers its final interim report and Official Public Record to the Co-Chairs of the First Peoples’ Assembly and Governor of Victoria. 

30 June 2025: Yoorrook concludes its historic truth telling inquiry.