Yoorrook hearings into child protection and criminal justice systems resume

By Murray Silby

Feb 27, 2023

**Hearings resume:** Gunditjmara woman Aunty Donna Wright speaking with Yoorrook Justice Commission chair Professor Eleanor Bourke, a Wergaia/Wamba Wamba Elder, during a hearing of the truth-telling commission.

Australia’s only truth-telling commission will restart hearings on Wednesday, March 1, as it continues its investigation into systemic injustices experienced by First Peoples within Victoria’s child protection and criminal justice systems.

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The Yoorrook Justice Commission will hear from First Peoples, including parents whose children have been removed, carers and members of the Stolen Generations as part of its inquiry into the child protection system.

The second week, commencing March 6, will centre on Victoria’s criminal justice system, including the need to reform bail laws, the age of criminal responsibility and police accountability systems.

Commission chair Professor Eleanor Bourke said First Peoples were “grossly over-represented” in both the child protection and criminal justice systems in Victoria.

“In December, the commission heard from numerous Aboriginal leaders and experts who all told Yoorrook that these systems are broken and need to be fixed,” she said.

“In this hearing block, we will hear from First Peoples who have personally experienced these systems or seen family members go through them.

“We will hear about the human toll of systemic injustice, and the enduring impact this has on individuals, their families and community more broadly.

“Each witness will put their story on the public record for ever, and in turn, help Yoorrook to build the evidence we need to make strong recommendations to government to right the wrongs of the past and build a better future for all Victorians.”

Yoorrook is scheduled to hold a further round of hearings on the same issues from March 21 to 31, with representatives from the Victorian Government set to give evidence.