Truth-telling is essential to filling these gaps and building stronger relationships between First Nations peoples and other Australians based in truth, justice and respect. 

In the absence of a national truth-telling process, several state-based formal truth-telling initiatives are underway, and Victoria has taken a significant step forward with the Yoorrook Justice Commission. The nation’s first formal First Nations-led truth-telling process. 

Set up by agreement between the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria and the Victorian Government, Yoorrook has been tasked with creating a public record of past and ongoing injustices experienced by First Peoples in Victoria since colonisation. The commission – named for the Wemba Wemba/ Wamba Wamba word for truth – will, at the end of this process, deliver findings to help inform Victoria’s treaty negotiations. 

Unearthing the Past and the Present

Since its launch in March 2022, Yoorrook has hit the ground running with a series of public and private hearings and the delivery of two interim reports ahead of the final report due in June 2025. 

Professor Eleanor Bourke, a Wergaia/ Wamba Wamba Elder and Chair of the Yoorrook Justice Commission, told Reconciliation News that Yoorrook’s work hasn’t been without its hurdles.

‘We started this journey during the pandemic,’ Professor Bourke recounted. ‘It was a tough start. Yoorrook could only connect with people online for the first six months, and during that time, we were also working on the first report.’

The referendum result was another setback for the community in Victoria, but Professor Bourke also sees it as a pivotal turning point in societal attitudes.

‘We thought that Victoria would get over the line in our community, so it was a big shock for our people in Victoria. However, I think there is now a greater interest – for some people, other Victorians – to find out more,’ Professor Bourke said.

‘Firstly, it is necessary to know the history and truth about settlement in Victoria. It is not about what we want, it is about how First peoples were treated and forced off their lands.  Most Victorians do not know the story about legislation prescribing where we could live, of the racist legislation about identity and the generational impact.’

The commission’s hearings provide a space for individuals to share their deeply personal stories which often involve confronting painful memories.

‘We’re hearing people’s lived experiences – good, bad, and ugly – spanning poverty, the legal and criminal justice systems, and child protection. It’s distressing to see how deeply embedded these issues are due to colonial legislation creating barriers that span generations,’ Professor Bourke reflected.

‘It’s a tough process for everyone involved, but it’s also profoundly healing. For many, it’s a chance to finally speak their truth and be heard.’

Truth-listening

One significant aspect of Yoorrook’s work involves truth-listening – that is, engaging with institutions to ensure that they listen to the truth and confront their own histories. While progress can be slow, there is evidence that institutions are beginning to acknowledge the need for change.

‘Earlier this year, the Victoria Police apologised to our people for their involvement in the Stolen Generations and committed to change. Now, that’s been overshadowed by the commitment to raising the age to 14 not being kept. Within their organisation, however, the Victoria Police have identified 79 actions that they do want to happen to change their culture,’ Professor Bourke said.

‘We’ll see what comes of it in the coming months, but it means somebody’s taking responsibility to hear what’s being said and to make those changes, and that’s really important.

‘Institutions are often like big ships that move slowly, but real change takes time.’

Institutions are now faced with the reality of their past actions and are beginning to address their role in historical injustices. However, Professor Bourke acknowledges that the road to substantial change is long. ‘These institutions must take responsibility and commit to real action. It’s about transforming understanding into tangible reforms.’

‘Truth-telling is not just about recounting history; we need to ensure that our stories are heard and that they lead to genuine empowerment and agency for our communities.’

From Words to Actions

Addressing systemic racism in education remains a critical challenge and Professor Bourke acknowledges the gaps, ‘We need to ensure that Aboriginal histories and perspectives are adequately represented and taught. This is a crucial part of addressing systemic racism.

‘The rich material we’re gathering will make excellent curriculum content for future generations. It’s essential that we use these stories to educate and inform.’

Yoorrook will also hold accountability hearings to review what institutions, and the government have done in response to its recommendations. This process will help ensure that commitments made are followed through. ‘It’s crucial that our work doesn’t just end with the hearings. We need to see action and real improvements.’

Community Truth-telling

More local communities are working together to research previously untold and unrecognised parts of their histories. These community-based activities are a crucial part of the national conversation on truth-telling and reconciliation.

Professor Bourke agrees, ‘We see a lot of the community activities going on in our media feeds and it’s a very good thing to see, because it means people are doing the work where they live. They’re learning about the beginning of the story, as well as how they got to where they are now.’

‘Whether it’s the bail act or not raising the age, these issues are going to stay on the agenda. People will either be horrified, or they’ll want to do more. So, there’s no relaxing from what needs to happen to make our country a better place.’