Yoorrook Justice Commission explained: All your questions answered

Will the state government hand over money? What happens next? Here’s everything you need to know about the Yoorrook Justice Commission’s explosive final report.

The Yoorrook Justice Commission’s final report, tabled in parliament on Tuesday, delivered 100 recommendations to the Allan government after a four-year truth-telling inquiry. Here’s everything you need to know.

What is the Yoorrook Justice Commission?

This is a Royal Commission set up in Victoria to find out the truth about past wrongs that have happened to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

A group of five commissioners worked independently to investigate issues like genocide, land rights, cultural identity, and unfair treatment.

They started in 2021 as part of Victoria’s promise to make things better and have shared three reports, including the final one this week.

What does the final report say?

The final report stated there was clear evidence of genocide and wrongdoing during colonisation in Victoria, and that the impacts are still being felt among the Victorian Indigenous community today. It presented an array of evidence that First Peoples had lower economic, health, and education outcomes.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan gives evidence before the Yoorrook Justice Commission. Picture: David Crosling

Why is it controversial?

The Yoorrook Justice Commission’s final report is considered explosive because it suggests big changes that require statewide overhauls and costly investments.

It calls for compensation to Indigenous Victorians for past wrongs, which could be expensive and politically challenging.

The report included 100 recommendations on topics like land rights, education, and health, which might require major changes to current systems.

Notably, three out of five Commissioners didn’t agree with all the recommendations, showing there are disagreements even within the Commission.

The list will also likely fuel division among the wider community.

What happens now?

The recommendations are not binding, and will now be considered by the Allan Labor government. The state will then accept or reject the findings and may implement changes in the interim.

The state is already enacting the recommendation on ensuring a body for First people in the law as part of their ongoing Statewide Treaty negotiations.

A welcome ceremony before a hearing of the Commission. Picture: David Crosling

Will the government give over money?

A costly redress and compensation scheme has been called for but the Allan Government is unlikely to agree in full due to the sheer cost and the state’s record debt. But there is still possible that taxpayer funded annual income streams could be set up to pass on to Traditional owner organisations, which will be deemed as controversial.

When will we know?

The state government has up to 24 months to implement or reject all the recommendations.

How much to the inquiry cost?

The Yoorrook Justice Commission’s inquiry was initially budgeted at $58 million. However the end cost has not be released, nor has the salaries of the five commissioners.

What do the Indigenous population think about the Commission?

Many Indigenous Victorians think the Yoorrook Justice Commission is important because it tries to fix past wrongs and make things better for their communities.

Originally published as Yoorrook Justice Commission explained: All your questions answered