Yoorrook Justice Commission Report: A Historic Reckoning for First Peoples in Victoria
British colonists in what is now the Australian state of Victoria inflicted catastrophic harm on the indigenous population, resulting in a staggering 75% decline within just two decades of their arrival, according to the recently released final report of the Yoorrook Justice Commission. This four-year inquiry into the historical injustices faced by the First Peoples of Victoria culminated in a comprehensive examination of the violence, disease, and systemic discrimination that decimated Aboriginal communities.
Historical Context and Findings
The report, presented to the Victorian Parliament, outlines the grim reality faced by the First Peoples, who experienced a population collapse from approximately 45,000 to less than 15,000 in just 17 years. The commission characterized this tragic decline as not merely an unfortunate consequence of colonization but rather the result of a “coordinated plan of different actions aimed at the destruction of the essential foundations of the life of national groups.”
The commission’s findings paint a picture of a systematic effort to erase Aboriginal culture, with numerous documented instances of massacres and mass abduction of children. These acts were not isolated incidents but part of a broader strategy that sought to undermine the social and economic structures of Aboriginal life.
Economic Disparities
The Yoorrook Justice Commission illuminated the economic inequalities that have persisted since colonization. The report noted that colonial systems effectively excluded First Peoples from opportunities to generate wealth. These barriers included restricted access to education and employment, as well as the inability to own property. The report asserted that the roots of this economic inequality can be traced directly back to colonial practices and state-sanctioned exclusion.
“First Peoples in Victoria have been consistently excluded from opportunities to generate wealth,” the report stated, highlighting the long-lasting impacts of these discriminatory policies. The commission emphasized that addressing these issues is crucial for the healing and empowerment of Aboriginal communities.
Recommendations for Change
The truth-telling commission provided a platform for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to share their experiences, leading to more than 100 recommendations aimed at rectifying past harms and addressing ongoing systemic injustices. Central to these recommendations is the establishment of a treaty-type framework to provide redress and facilitate major structural reforms.
Education and Health Reforms
The report calls for significant reforms in the education system, recommending the integration of Aboriginal content into the curriculum and mandatory anti-racism training for educators. It also urged the development of fair disciplinary policies to ensure that Aboriginal students are not discriminated against within the school system.
In the realm of health care, the commission criticized the deep-seated racism that pervades the current system. It recommended increased funding for targeted health services for indigenous Australians, including dedicated mental health provisions. Crucially, the report suggests transferring responsibility for the health of incarcerated First Peoples from the Justice Ministry to the Health Department, reflecting a broader need for compassion and understanding in health care delivery.
Land and Political Representation
Land rights were a significant focus of the commission’s recommendations. The report demanded an official apology and reparations for a veterans’ scheme that excluded First Nations soldiers from land grants after the World Wars. It also called for the return of land now held by institutions, such as churches and universities, which was acquired under questionable circumstances.
Political representation for First Peoples was another critical area highlighted in the report. The commission advocated for the establishment of a permanent First Peoples’ assembly with the authority to make decisions on policies that directly affect them. This recommendation aims to address the longstanding issues of accountability and trust that have been eroded over decades.
Response from Government and Community Leaders
Victoria’s Premier Jacinta Allen welcomed the report’s findings but emphasized the need for careful consideration of its recommendations. She encouraged all Victorians to engage with the report and reflect on its findings. Earlier statements from her office indicated a willingness to support the strengthening of the First Peoples’ assembly, although she stopped short of endorsing its decision-making powers.
Community leaders have expressed strong support for the commission’s findings. Jill Gallagher, CEO of the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organization, stated that the designation of genocide was “beyond question.” She stressed the importance of acknowledging historical truths and emphasized that contemporary Australians must confront and reconcile with these findings.
Ongoing Impact and Future Directions
The Yoorrook Justice Commission’s report serves as a significant milestone in the ongoing journey toward justice and reconciliation for the First Peoples of Victoria. By shedding light on the historical injustices that have shaped contemporary Aboriginal experiences, the commission has provided a foundation for meaningful dialogue and transformative change.
The recommendations put forth by the commission are aimed at creating a more equitable society where First Peoples can participate fully in economic, educational, and social life. As the Victorian government deliberates on how to implement these recommendations, the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will remain crucial in shaping a future that acknowledges the past while striving for a more just and inclusive society.
Through its comprehensive examination of historical injustices, the Yoorrook Justice Commission has not only highlighted the urgent need for redress but has also set the stage for a broader national conversation about reconciliation and the enduring impact of colonization on Australia’s First Peoples. The path forward will require commitment, understanding, and a willingness to confront difficult truths, but it also holds the potential for healing and empowerment for generations to come.