Treaty and Truth-telling
Our history impacts our present. To overcome inequality, we need to understand how it was created, and how it continues.
The work of the Yoorrook Justice Commission(opens in a new window) helps us understand our history from the perspective of Aboriginal people, how it impacts on their present – and how Treaty can be the pathway to practical changes and solutions.
Learning more about the history of First Peoples in this state will help us build a shared future and shared pride in the Aboriginal heritage of this land we all love, that is our home.
The Yoorrook Justice Commission
The Yoorrook Justice Commission(opens in a new window) - Australia’s first formal truth-telling process - heard evidence of historical and ongoing injustices experienced by First Peoples in Victoria. The Commission's final reports were tabled in Parliament on 1 July 2025.
Established by agreement between the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria and the Victorian Government, the Yoorrook Justice Commission investigated the government policies and practices that created the gap that impacts First Peoples in Victoria.
The Commission received over 1300 submissions. During the Commission’s 67 public hearings, Victorians had the opportunity to hear of the strength, resilience and resistance of Aboriginal people – of their unbroken connection to culture and Country for tens of thousands of years.
At a glance: The work of the Yoorrook Justice Commission
Since its establishment in 2021, the Yoorrook Justice Commission has:
- Received more than 1,300 submissions from individuals and organisations.
- Held over 67 public hearing days with more than 250 witnesses.
- Received over 7,000 documents from the State through notices to produce.
- Delivered interim reports in 2022 and 2023, and final interim and final reports in mid-2025.
- 1st
- The first Truth-telling commission in Australia
- Over 7,000
- Documents from the State
- Over 1,300
- Submissions received
- 67
- Public hearings
- 250+
- Witnesses
The final reports of the Yoorrook Justice Commission
Yoorrook for Transformation, the Yoorrook Justice Commission’s final interim report, spans 5 volumes and over 1500 pages. It includes 100 recommendations for reform relating to land, education, housing, access to records, health, and economic and political life.
Truth be Told, the final report of the Yoorrook Justice Commission, includes an Official Public Record based on First Peoples’ experiences of systemic injustice since the start of colonisation. The Official Public Record will help Victorians understand the State’s history from the perspective of First Peoples, and how our past impacts our present. This report also includes a chapter summarising ten ‘final findings’ of the Yoorrook Justice Commission’s inquiry.
Find out more about Victoria's Treaty
Foundations for Treaty
We have passed legislation twice, developed policies, and made commitments across every level of government.
Treaty timeline
Victoria has been on the path to Treaty for nearly ten years.