Public Hearings: 1-9 March 2023

The purpose of these public hearings was to hear from Community members with first-hand experience of the child protection and criminal justice systems. During the first week, the Commission heard from First Peoples including parents whose children have been removed, carers and members of the Stolen Generations as part of their inquiry into the child protection system. The second week, commencing March 6, centred on Victoria’s criminal justice system, including the need to reform bail laws to stop people being unnecessarily imprisoned in pre-trial detention, the age of criminal responsibility, and police accountability systems. The Commission heard evidence from First Peoples who have been involved in the adult and youth criminal justice systems and their families, as well as advocates and experts. Both weeks examined the push for genuine self-determination and ways to address systemic injustice in the child protection and criminal justice systems. Scroll down to view videos of the hearings, witness statements and evidence.