Yoorrook Justice Commission appoints former Federal Court Justice Anthony North KC as commissioner

Former Federal Court Justice Anthony North KC, who specialises in native title and refugee law cases, has been enlisted to help lead Victoria’s formal truth-telling process.

Former Federal Court judge ­Anthony North KC, who specialises in native title and refugee law cases, has been enlisted to help lead Victoria’s formal truth-­telling process.

The Victorian Law Reform Commission chair was appointed as a Yoorrook Justice Commission commissioner on Tuesday by Governor Margaret Gardner.

Mr North served as a Federal Court judge from 1995 to 2018 and has led the VLRC for more than four years.

During his time as judge, Mr North’s main areas of work were native title, refugee law, industrial law and criminal appeals in the ACT Court of Appeal.

He said he hoped to help “tell the truth of our history” in his new role. “I am honoured to contribute to the historic work of the ­Yoorrook Justice Commission,” Mr North said. “I hope that my skills and experience will help advance its work: to tell the truth of our history. That truth is the foundation for community understanding, which is necessary so that we can move towards a more just society.”

As part of his leadership with the VLRC, Mr North has cultivated relationships with First Nat­ions organisations and community members, and consulted on issues of social justice.

The appointment comes as the commission prepares to hold public hearings for its land injustice inquiry in the coming months. Witnesses will include First Peoples, Victorian government ministers and bureaucrats.

Yoorrook chair Eleanor Bourke said Mr North was joining the organisation at a crucial period in the truth-telling process. “As a former judge with a long and illustrious legal career, Commissioner North will bring invaluable experience and insight,” she said.

“Yoorrook is undertaking inquiries into land, health, housing, education and economic, social and political life. I welcome Commissioner North and look forward to working with him.”