Data usage and IDS

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.

What is Indigenous Data Sovereignty?

Indigenous Data Sovereignty asserts the rights of indigenous Peoples to own, control, access and possess data that derive from them. Yoorrook’s Letters Patent require the Commission to uphold the sovereignty of First Peoples over their knowledge and stories by consulting with them on how the information they provide should be treated and ensuring adequate information and data protection.

Yoorrook applies Indigenous Data Sovereignty protocols to the collection, storage, and use of First Peoples’ information. These protocols respect the decisions of First People on how their data are used, protected, accessed, and shared now and in the future.

First Peoples who make submissions to Yoorrook have provided their consent for the Commission to use their submission for the purposes of conducting Yoorrook’s work. Ownership of First Peoples’ submissions remains with the author of the submission. Their permission may be required to use their submission for any other purposes.

Yoorrook upholds Indigenous Data Sovereignty

From the outset, Yoorrook’s processes centred First Peoples’ rights to determine how their data would be shared, accessed and protected for generations to come. Those who gave evidence were able to decide whether their records would be published, whether their identities would be shared, and how their stories could be used—a safeguard against the long history of First Peoples' knowledge being used without consent. Yoorrook set out to ensure that sovereignty was not understood only as a concept related to land or governance. But that it was also understood to include data, identity, and the right to hold and protect one’s own narrative.

To implement Yoorrook’s recommendations about data and records, the Victorian Government passed the historic Inquiries Amendment (Yoorrook Justice Commission Records and Other Matters) Act 2024 (Vic). The Act enables Yoorrook to make orders to close or restrict access to certain evidence given by First Peoples. This is to ensure that First Peoples’ evidence that was provided on a confidential basis is not disclosed to third parties. It also exempts records subject to those orders from Freedom of Information legislation and access to records under the Public Records Act 1973 (Vic). This is the first time that Indigenous Data Sovereignty has ever been legislated.

For many who have already shared their stories, so much has already been taken. It is crucial that your own story, your own truth and your own family remain yours – the story of how you came to be there on the witness stand. As a First Nations person I know that sovereignty was never ceded. Sovereignty is not just about land or governance. It is about self-determination. It is about our identity. It is about control over our own stories. It is about ensuring that our voices, our experiences and our histories are told and preserved on our terms. This bill affirms that sovereignty. It acknowledges that Aboriginal people have the right to control their own information and how it is shared. It is a fundamental step in the process of truth-telling and treaty.

- The Hon Sheena Watt MP, speaking about the importance of the legislation

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.