Today the Victorian Government delivered an Apology to First Peoples in Victoria for harm inflicted since colonisation.
The Apology, delivered by Premier Jacinta Allan, was a key recommendation of the Yoorrook Justice Commission’s truth-telling inquiry.
The Apology was an agreed outcome of the Statewide Treaty, negotiated by the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria and the State of Victoria, which was signed last month.
In reference to the Apology, the Statewide Treaty states,
“The State acknowledges that the Yoorrook Justice Commission called for acknowledgement of the responsibility of predecessors for laws, policies, and practices that contributed to systemic injustices against Victorian First Peoples; official apologies to First Peoples in Victoria; and negotiation with the Aboriginal Representative Body regarding a form of words for official apologies to First Peoples individuals and communities.”
The Aboriginal Representative Body in Victoria is the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria.
Jidah Clark, Djab Wurrung man and Treaty Authority Chair said:
“A State Apology is a fundamental step toward accepting responsibility and, ultimately, righting past wrongs. It is right that this important recommendation from the Yoorrook Justice Commission has been negotiated and implemented through the Statewide Treaty.
“As we move into a new era of Treaty, truth-telling must be matched by genuine accountability and respectful action. The Treaty Authority welcomes this moment as an important step towards healing. We stand ready to support the Victorian community to shape a future grounded in cultural strength and justice.”