Andrews government faces potential criminal charges in ‘truth-telling’ inquiry

Yoorrook Justice Commission reveals the Andrews government failed to provide evidence it requested for ‘truth-telling’ inquiry, which could lead to criminal proceedings.

The Andrews government has come under fire from Victoria’s powerful “truth-telling” inquiry for failing to hand over evidence, with the commission ordering the state to front a hearing on Monday.

The issue may expose the government to criminal proceedings.

On Friday, the Yoorrook Justice Commission revealed it had called an urgent hearing for Monday morning after the state government’s failure to provide the evidence it requested.

The inquiry was first announced in 2021 and has the powers of a royal commission to explore historical injustices against Aboriginal Victorians.

Previous public hearings have focused on the justice and child protection systems.

Government officials have failed to meet the commission’s deadlines for evidence and Monday’s hearing will question the state about the delay and its impacts on their work.

This will include why documents known to be the government’s possession have not been handed over.

Under the Yoorrook Justice Commission’s powers, it can compel people to produce documents, give evidence and attend hearings.

Failure to do so without a reasonable excuse is a criminal offence, but it is not yet clear why the state government has not yet handed over the evidence requested or what documents were sought.

“The Victorian Government fully supports the historic and nation-first truth-telling process, the Yoorrook Justice Commission,” a spokeswoman said.

“We have been working through a large number of documents requested by the Commission.”

“Government departments have provided comprehensive statements that address complex issues and have been thorough in ensuring the integrity of this process.”

The commission is required to produce its next report by June 30.