Hundreds spoke their truths on impact of colonisation
* Victoria's Indigenous-led truth-telling inquiry, the first of its kind in Australia
* Led by five commissioners, of whom four are Aboriginal
* Established with royal commission powers
* Independent of the Victorian government and the elected First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria, the body tasked with leading statewide treaty talks
* Yoo-rrook means "truth" in the Wemba Wemba/Wamba Wamba language
WHAT WAS ITS PURPOSE?
* Create an official record of the impact of colonisation on Indigenous people in Victoria
* Support the treaty-making process, including through recommendations for reform
HOW DID IT COME ABOUT?
* The Victorian Labor government committed to a truth and justice process in July 2020
* The commission and its mandate was unveiled in March 2021
* It officially launched in March 2022 following COVID-19 lockdown-related delays
* The government granted a 12-month extension for its work to the end of June 2025
WHO APPEARED AT YOORROOK?
* Public hearings began in April 2022 and lasted 67 days in total
* Aboriginal elders such as Uncle Jack Charles, Uncle Johnny Lovett, Aunty Alma Thorpe and Aunty Eva Jo Edwards were among more than 200 witnesses
* Premier Jacinta Allan and other government ministers also gave evidence
* Then Victoria Police chief commissioner Shane Patton apologised for police treatment of Indigenous people
* The commission also received more than 1300 submissions and 10,000 documents from the state
WHAT ARE ITS FINAL REPORTS?
* Yoorrook for Transformation - Yoorrook's third and final report containing 100 recommendations over five volumes
* Yoorrook Truth Be Told - a official public record that includes a detailed account of the history of Victoria since the start of colonisation and story of the commission
WHAT ARE ITS KEY FINAL RECCOMENDATIONS?
* The government must fund the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria to set up a permanent truth-telling group to keep collecting stories and build a public record
* Decision-making powers, authority, control and resources must be transferred to First Peoples to give full effect to self-determination
* The government must shift prison healthcare from the Department of Justice to the Department of Health
* The government must provide redress for injustices caused by the colonial invasion and occupation of First Peoples' lands, as well as damage and loss
WERE THERE ANY CONTROVERSIES?
* Three commissioners quit within the space of six months in 2022, and another resigned in 2023
* Commission chair Eleanor Bourke slammed the government in 2023 for delays in producing documents
* Only four of Yoorrook's 46 recommendations from an interim report on Victoria's child protection and criminal justice systems were accepted by the government in full. Twenty-four were accepted in principle and three rejected outright
* Yoorrook later said it was "beyond disappointed" with the government's inaction
* Three of the five commissioners did not endorse the inclusion of the key findings in the Truth Be Told report
HOW HAS THE GOVERNMENT RESPONDED TO THE FINAL REPORTS?
* It has acknowledged the final reports and will "carefully consider" its response to the findings and recommendations
WHAT WAS THE YOORROOK JUSTICE COMMISSION?
* Victoria's Indigenous-led truth-telling inquiry, the first of its kind in Australia
* Led by five commissioners, of whom four are Aboriginal
* Established with royal commission powers
* Independent of the Victorian government and the elected First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria, the body tasked with leading statewide treaty talks
* Yoo-rrook means "truth" in the Wemba Wemba/Wamba Wamba language
WHAT WAS ITS PURPOSE?
* Create an official record of the impact of colonisation on Indigenous people in Victoria
* Support the treaty-making process, including through recommendations for reform
HOW DID IT COME ABOUT?
* The Victorian Labor government committed to a truth and justice process in July 2020
* The commission and its mandate was unveiled in March 2021
* It officially launched in March 2022 following COVID-19 lockdown-related delays
* The government granted a 12-month extension for its work to the end of June 2025
WHO APPEARED AT YOORROOK?
* Public hearings began in April 2022 and lasted 67 days in total
* Aboriginal elders such as Uncle Jack Charles, Uncle Johnny Lovett, Aunty Alma Thorpe and Aunty Eva Jo Edwards were among more than 200 witnesses
* Premier Jacinta Allan and other government ministers also gave evidence
* Then Victoria Police chief commissioner Shane Patton apologised for police treatment of Indigenous people
* The commission also received more than 1300 submissions and 10,000 documents from the state
WHAT ARE ITS FINAL REPORTS?
* Yoorrook for Transformation - Yoorrook's third and final report containing 100 recommendations over five volumes
* Yoorrook Truth Be Told - a official public record that includes a detailed account of the history of Victoria since the start of colonisation and story of the commission
WHAT ARE ITS KEY FINAL RECCOMENDATIONS?
* The government must fund the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria to set up a permanent truth-telling group to keep collecting stories and build a public record
* Decision-making powers, authority, control and resources must be transferred to First Peoples to give full effect to self-determination
* The government must shift prison healthcare from the Department of Justice to the Department of Health
* The government must provide redress for injustices caused by the colonial invasion and occupation of First Peoples' lands, as well as damage and loss
WERE THERE ANY CONTROVERSIES?
* Three commissioners quit within the space of six months in 2022, and another resigned in 2023
* Commission chair Eleanor Bourke slammed the government in 2023 for delays in producing documents
* Only four of Yoorrook's 46 recommendations from an interim report on Victoria's child protection and criminal justice systems were accepted by the government in full. Twenty-four were accepted in principle and three rejected outright
* Yoorrook later said it was "beyond disappointed" with the government's inaction
* Three of the five commissioners did not endorse the inclusion of the key findings in the Truth Be Told report
HOW HAS THE GOVERNMENT RESPONDED TO THE FINAL REPORTS?
* It has acknowledged the final reports and will "carefully consider" its response to the findings and recommendations
WHAT WAS THE YOORROOK JUSTICE COMMISSION?
* Victoria's Indigenous-led truth-telling inquiry, the first of its kind in Australia
* Led by five commissioners, of whom four are Aboriginal
* Established with royal commission powers
* Independent of the Victorian government and the elected First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria, the body tasked with leading statewide treaty talks
* Yoo-rrook means "truth" in the Wemba Wemba/Wamba Wamba language
WHAT WAS ITS PURPOSE?
* Create an official record of the impact of colonisation on Indigenous people in Victoria
* Support the treaty-making process, including through recommendations for reform
HOW DID IT COME ABOUT?
* The Victorian Labor government committed to a truth and justice process in July 2020
* The commission and its mandate was unveiled in March 2021
* It officially launched in March 2022 following COVID-19 lockdown-related delays
* The government granted a 12-month extension for its work to the end of June 2025
WHO APPEARED AT YOORROOK?
* Public hearings began in April 2022 and lasted 67 days in total
* Aboriginal elders such as Uncle Jack Charles, Uncle Johnny Lovett, Aunty Alma Thorpe and Aunty Eva Jo Edwards were among more than 200 witnesses
* Premier Jacinta Allan and other government ministers also gave evidence
* Then Victoria Police chief commissioner Shane Patton apologised for police treatment of Indigenous people
* The commission also received more than 1300 submissions and 10,000 documents from the state
WHAT ARE ITS FINAL REPORTS?
* Yoorrook for Transformation - Yoorrook's third and final report containing 100 recommendations over five volumes
* Yoorrook Truth Be Told - a official public record that includes a detailed account of the history of Victoria since the start of colonisation and story of the commission
WHAT ARE ITS KEY FINAL RECCOMENDATIONS?
* The government must fund the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria to set up a permanent truth-telling group to keep collecting stories and build a public record
* Decision-making powers, authority, control and resources must be transferred to First Peoples to give full effect to self-determination
* The government must shift prison healthcare from the Department of Justice to the Department of Health
* The government must provide redress for injustices caused by the colonial invasion and occupation of First Peoples' lands, as well as damage and loss
WERE THERE ANY CONTROVERSIES?
* Three commissioners quit within the space of six months in 2022, and another resigned in 2023
* Commission chair Eleanor Bourke slammed the government in 2023 for delays in producing documents
* Only four of Yoorrook's 46 recommendations from an interim report on Victoria's child protection and criminal justice systems were accepted by the government in full. Twenty-four were accepted in principle and three rejected outright
* Yoorrook later said it was "beyond disappointed" with the government's inaction
* Three of the five commissioners did not endorse the inclusion of the key findings in the Truth Be Told report
HOW HAS THE GOVERNMENT RESPONDED TO THE FINAL REPORTS?
* It has acknowledged the final reports and will "carefully consider" its response to the findings and recommendations
WHAT WAS THE YOORROOK JUSTICE COMMISSION?
* Victoria's Indigenous-led truth-telling inquiry, the first of its kind in Australia
* Led by five commissioners, of whom four are Aboriginal
* Established with royal commission powers
* Independent of the Victorian government and the elected First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria, the body tasked with leading statewide treaty talks
* Yoo-rrook means "truth" in the Wemba Wemba/Wamba Wamba language
WHAT WAS ITS PURPOSE?
* Create an official record of the impact of colonisation on Indigenous people in Victoria
* Support the treaty-making process, including through recommendations for reform
HOW DID IT COME ABOUT?
* The Victorian Labor government committed to a truth and justice process in July 2020
* The commission and its mandate was unveiled in March 2021
* It officially launched in March 2022 following COVID-19 lockdown-related delays
* The government granted a 12-month extension for its work to the end of June 2025
WHO APPEARED AT YOORROOK?
* Public hearings began in April 2022 and lasted 67 days in total
* Aboriginal elders such as Uncle Jack Charles, Uncle Johnny Lovett, Aunty Alma Thorpe and Aunty Eva Jo Edwards were among more than 200 witnesses
* Premier Jacinta Allan and other government ministers also gave evidence
* Then Victoria Police chief commissioner Shane Patton apologised for police treatment of Indigenous people
* The commission also received more than 1300 submissions and 10,000 documents from the state
WHAT ARE ITS FINAL REPORTS?
* Yoorrook for Transformation - Yoorrook's third and final report containing 100 recommendations over five volumes
* Yoorrook Truth Be Told - a official public record that includes a detailed account of the history of Victoria since the start of colonisation and story of the commission
WHAT ARE ITS KEY FINAL RECCOMENDATIONS?
* The government must fund the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria to set up a permanent truth-telling group to keep collecting stories and build a public record
* Decision-making powers, authority, control and resources must be transferred to First Peoples to give full effect to self-determination
* The government must shift prison healthcare from the Department of Justice to the Department of Health
* The government must provide redress for injustices caused by the colonial invasion and occupation of First Peoples' lands, as well as damage and loss
WERE THERE ANY CONTROVERSIES?
* Three commissioners quit within the space of six months in 2022, and another resigned in 2023
* Commission chair Eleanor Bourke slammed the government in 2023 for delays in producing documents
* Only four of Yoorrook's 46 recommendations from an interim report on Victoria's child protection and criminal justice systems were accepted by the government in full. Twenty-four were accepted in principle and three rejected outright
* Yoorrook later said it was "beyond disappointed" with the government's inaction
* Three of the five commissioners did not endorse the inclusion of the key findings in the Truth Be Told report
HOW HAS THE GOVERNMENT RESPONDED TO THE FINAL REPORTS?
* It has acknowledged the final reports and will "carefully consider" its response to the findings and recommendations
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an hour ago
- The Advertiser
How my perspective as a non-Indigenous person was profoundly changed
On Tuesday, the Yoorrook Justice Commission's remarkable four-year journey ended with the publication of its final reports and public record. Yoorrook was the first formal truth-telling inquiry into injustices against First Peoples in Victoria. Led by four First Peoples Commissioners and a non-Indigenous Commissioner, it changed Victoria for the better and will continue to do so. Governments around Australia should learn from their experience and embrace truth-telling. Yoorrook engaged with more than 9000 First Peoples, received more than 1300 submissions, held public hearings with hundreds of witnesses and reached millions via media, social media, events and more. Its reports lay bare the historic and ongoing injustice caused by colonisation, told from First Peoples' perspectives. They also offer a clear path forward, grounded in truth, justice and First Peoples' leadership. As a non-Indigenous person, I was privileged to work for two years as Yoorrook's CEO. The experience profoundly changed my perspective and understanding. This is the power of truth-telling. Yoorrook dealt with deep injustice. I saw trauma handed down over generations and understandable anger. I also saw immense pride in Aboriginal culture, and despite all the harm, an incredible willingness to share it. Yoorrook reinforced the importance of culture. First Peoples in Victoria who survived the waves of colonial violence and disease were typically forced from their country, onto missions or the fringes of white society. Culture and language were suppressed. Children with European blood were removed from their families and communities and told that Aboriginality was bad. This is why it's so painful when First Peoples have their identity questioned by non-Indigenous people. It's also why work to strengthen culture and rebuild languages is so important. Research like the landmark Mayi Kuwayu Study confirms that when First Peoples are strong in culture and identity, they are strong in health and wellbeing. I saw so much strength and excellence. There was incredible advocacy and resistance and tenacious and effective leadership. I saw deep environmental knowledge and care for country as well as creative and sporting brilliance. I saw entrepreneurship and business excellence, huge family and community networks and a deep enduring respect for elders and ancestors. There is so much that non-Indigenous society can learn from. Yoorrook helped me to better understand that country is everything for First Peoples. As Gomeroi woman Nikkie Moodie told Yoorrook: "We speak for Country. We are Country. We are the land, we act as land and for land." Back in law school, I looked at Eddie Koiki Mabo's case as a bold decision by the High Court. After Yoorrook, I see it as the very least the court could do to recognise what was obvious for the previous two centuries - that it always was Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land. I now look at the decision through the prism of the Charles Perkins quote when he said: "We live off the crumbs that fall off the white Australian tables and are told to be grateful." In many ways, native title is what's left over after everyone else has had their feed. Importantly, the Mabo decision gave non-Indigenous Australia something valuable; a way to begin healing, in an incremental way, the deep sore of racism and injustice that infects our national conscience. The High Court judges recognised this saying the "nation as a whole must remain diminished unless and until there is an acknowledgment of, and retreat from, those past injustices." The judges were talking about the way colonial law facilitated the taking of First Peoples' land. The same reasoning applies to sovereignty. For thousands of generations, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nations exercised sovereignty over defined areas of country. The injustice of Britain's self-declared sovereignty over their lands has never been addressed. Treaties offer the chance to do this and create a different story for future generations. One where First Peoples have power over the issues that affect their lives. READ MORE: Where First Peoples families have access to quality education, healthcare and housing. Where First Peoples communities are prosperous, where country is healthy and where culture and language are thriving. Victoria's elected First Peoples Assembly is currently negotiating a statewide treaty with the Allan government. Local traditional owner treaties will follow. Yoorrook's recommendations, from self-determination to education and land rights, provide the grounding for transformation through treaties. Truth-telling is an essential step on the journey to justice and healing. Yoorrook is an invitation to non-Indigenous people to learn and walk together. In the words of Yoorrook's final report, "It's time to let in the light ... so that we might look to the future with clear eyes." On Tuesday, the Yoorrook Justice Commission's remarkable four-year journey ended with the publication of its final reports and public record. Yoorrook was the first formal truth-telling inquiry into injustices against First Peoples in Victoria. Led by four First Peoples Commissioners and a non-Indigenous Commissioner, it changed Victoria for the better and will continue to do so. Governments around Australia should learn from their experience and embrace truth-telling. Yoorrook engaged with more than 9000 First Peoples, received more than 1300 submissions, held public hearings with hundreds of witnesses and reached millions via media, social media, events and more. Its reports lay bare the historic and ongoing injustice caused by colonisation, told from First Peoples' perspectives. They also offer a clear path forward, grounded in truth, justice and First Peoples' leadership. As a non-Indigenous person, I was privileged to work for two years as Yoorrook's CEO. The experience profoundly changed my perspective and understanding. This is the power of truth-telling. Yoorrook dealt with deep injustice. I saw trauma handed down over generations and understandable anger. I also saw immense pride in Aboriginal culture, and despite all the harm, an incredible willingness to share it. Yoorrook reinforced the importance of culture. First Peoples in Victoria who survived the waves of colonial violence and disease were typically forced from their country, onto missions or the fringes of white society. Culture and language were suppressed. Children with European blood were removed from their families and communities and told that Aboriginality was bad. This is why it's so painful when First Peoples have their identity questioned by non-Indigenous people. It's also why work to strengthen culture and rebuild languages is so important. Research like the landmark Mayi Kuwayu Study confirms that when First Peoples are strong in culture and identity, they are strong in health and wellbeing. I saw so much strength and excellence. There was incredible advocacy and resistance and tenacious and effective leadership. I saw deep environmental knowledge and care for country as well as creative and sporting brilliance. I saw entrepreneurship and business excellence, huge family and community networks and a deep enduring respect for elders and ancestors. There is so much that non-Indigenous society can learn from. Yoorrook helped me to better understand that country is everything for First Peoples. As Gomeroi woman Nikkie Moodie told Yoorrook: "We speak for Country. We are Country. We are the land, we act as land and for land." Back in law school, I looked at Eddie Koiki Mabo's case as a bold decision by the High Court. After Yoorrook, I see it as the very least the court could do to recognise what was obvious for the previous two centuries - that it always was Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land. I now look at the decision through the prism of the Charles Perkins quote when he said: "We live off the crumbs that fall off the white Australian tables and are told to be grateful." In many ways, native title is what's left over after everyone else has had their feed. Importantly, the Mabo decision gave non-Indigenous Australia something valuable; a way to begin healing, in an incremental way, the deep sore of racism and injustice that infects our national conscience. The High Court judges recognised this saying the "nation as a whole must remain diminished unless and until there is an acknowledgment of, and retreat from, those past injustices." The judges were talking about the way colonial law facilitated the taking of First Peoples' land. The same reasoning applies to sovereignty. For thousands of generations, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nations exercised sovereignty over defined areas of country. The injustice of Britain's self-declared sovereignty over their lands has never been addressed. Treaties offer the chance to do this and create a different story for future generations. One where First Peoples have power over the issues that affect their lives. READ MORE: Where First Peoples families have access to quality education, healthcare and housing. Where First Peoples communities are prosperous, where country is healthy and where culture and language are thriving. Victoria's elected First Peoples Assembly is currently negotiating a statewide treaty with the Allan government. Local traditional owner treaties will follow. Yoorrook's recommendations, from self-determination to education and land rights, provide the grounding for transformation through treaties. Truth-telling is an essential step on the journey to justice and healing. Yoorrook is an invitation to non-Indigenous people to learn and walk together. In the words of Yoorrook's final report, "It's time to let in the light ... so that we might look to the future with clear eyes." On Tuesday, the Yoorrook Justice Commission's remarkable four-year journey ended with the publication of its final reports and public record. Yoorrook was the first formal truth-telling inquiry into injustices against First Peoples in Victoria. Led by four First Peoples Commissioners and a non-Indigenous Commissioner, it changed Victoria for the better and will continue to do so. Governments around Australia should learn from their experience and embrace truth-telling. Yoorrook engaged with more than 9000 First Peoples, received more than 1300 submissions, held public hearings with hundreds of witnesses and reached millions via media, social media, events and more. Its reports lay bare the historic and ongoing injustice caused by colonisation, told from First Peoples' perspectives. They also offer a clear path forward, grounded in truth, justice and First Peoples' leadership. As a non-Indigenous person, I was privileged to work for two years as Yoorrook's CEO. The experience profoundly changed my perspective and understanding. This is the power of truth-telling. Yoorrook dealt with deep injustice. I saw trauma handed down over generations and understandable anger. I also saw immense pride in Aboriginal culture, and despite all the harm, an incredible willingness to share it. Yoorrook reinforced the importance of culture. First Peoples in Victoria who survived the waves of colonial violence and disease were typically forced from their country, onto missions or the fringes of white society. Culture and language were suppressed. Children with European blood were removed from their families and communities and told that Aboriginality was bad. This is why it's so painful when First Peoples have their identity questioned by non-Indigenous people. It's also why work to strengthen culture and rebuild languages is so important. Research like the landmark Mayi Kuwayu Study confirms that when First Peoples are strong in culture and identity, they are strong in health and wellbeing. I saw so much strength and excellence. There was incredible advocacy and resistance and tenacious and effective leadership. I saw deep environmental knowledge and care for country as well as creative and sporting brilliance. I saw entrepreneurship and business excellence, huge family and community networks and a deep enduring respect for elders and ancestors. There is so much that non-Indigenous society can learn from. Yoorrook helped me to better understand that country is everything for First Peoples. As Gomeroi woman Nikkie Moodie told Yoorrook: "We speak for Country. We are Country. We are the land, we act as land and for land." Back in law school, I looked at Eddie Koiki Mabo's case as a bold decision by the High Court. After Yoorrook, I see it as the very least the court could do to recognise what was obvious for the previous two centuries - that it always was Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land. I now look at the decision through the prism of the Charles Perkins quote when he said: "We live off the crumbs that fall off the white Australian tables and are told to be grateful." In many ways, native title is what's left over after everyone else has had their feed. Importantly, the Mabo decision gave non-Indigenous Australia something valuable; a way to begin healing, in an incremental way, the deep sore of racism and injustice that infects our national conscience. The High Court judges recognised this saying the "nation as a whole must remain diminished unless and until there is an acknowledgment of, and retreat from, those past injustices." The judges were talking about the way colonial law facilitated the taking of First Peoples' land. The same reasoning applies to sovereignty. For thousands of generations, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nations exercised sovereignty over defined areas of country. The injustice of Britain's self-declared sovereignty over their lands has never been addressed. Treaties offer the chance to do this and create a different story for future generations. One where First Peoples have power over the issues that affect their lives. READ MORE: Where First Peoples families have access to quality education, healthcare and housing. Where First Peoples communities are prosperous, where country is healthy and where culture and language are thriving. Victoria's elected First Peoples Assembly is currently negotiating a statewide treaty with the Allan government. Local traditional owner treaties will follow. Yoorrook's recommendations, from self-determination to education and land rights, provide the grounding for transformation through treaties. Truth-telling is an essential step on the journey to justice and healing. Yoorrook is an invitation to non-Indigenous people to learn and walk together. In the words of Yoorrook's final report, "It's time to let in the light ... so that we might look to the future with clear eyes." On Tuesday, the Yoorrook Justice Commission's remarkable four-year journey ended with the publication of its final reports and public record. Yoorrook was the first formal truth-telling inquiry into injustices against First Peoples in Victoria. Led by four First Peoples Commissioners and a non-Indigenous Commissioner, it changed Victoria for the better and will continue to do so. Governments around Australia should learn from their experience and embrace truth-telling. Yoorrook engaged with more than 9000 First Peoples, received more than 1300 submissions, held public hearings with hundreds of witnesses and reached millions via media, social media, events and more. Its reports lay bare the historic and ongoing injustice caused by colonisation, told from First Peoples' perspectives. They also offer a clear path forward, grounded in truth, justice and First Peoples' leadership. As a non-Indigenous person, I was privileged to work for two years as Yoorrook's CEO. The experience profoundly changed my perspective and understanding. This is the power of truth-telling. Yoorrook dealt with deep injustice. I saw trauma handed down over generations and understandable anger. I also saw immense pride in Aboriginal culture, and despite all the harm, an incredible willingness to share it. Yoorrook reinforced the importance of culture. First Peoples in Victoria who survived the waves of colonial violence and disease were typically forced from their country, onto missions or the fringes of white society. Culture and language were suppressed. Children with European blood were removed from their families and communities and told that Aboriginality was bad. This is why it's so painful when First Peoples have their identity questioned by non-Indigenous people. It's also why work to strengthen culture and rebuild languages is so important. Research like the landmark Mayi Kuwayu Study confirms that when First Peoples are strong in culture and identity, they are strong in health and wellbeing. I saw so much strength and excellence. There was incredible advocacy and resistance and tenacious and effective leadership. I saw deep environmental knowledge and care for country as well as creative and sporting brilliance. I saw entrepreneurship and business excellence, huge family and community networks and a deep enduring respect for elders and ancestors. There is so much that non-Indigenous society can learn from. Yoorrook helped me to better understand that country is everything for First Peoples. As Gomeroi woman Nikkie Moodie told Yoorrook: "We speak for Country. We are Country. We are the land, we act as land and for land." Back in law school, I looked at Eddie Koiki Mabo's case as a bold decision by the High Court. After Yoorrook, I see it as the very least the court could do to recognise what was obvious for the previous two centuries - that it always was Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land. I now look at the decision through the prism of the Charles Perkins quote when he said: "We live off the crumbs that fall off the white Australian tables and are told to be grateful." In many ways, native title is what's left over after everyone else has had their feed. Importantly, the Mabo decision gave non-Indigenous Australia something valuable; a way to begin healing, in an incremental way, the deep sore of racism and injustice that infects our national conscience. The High Court judges recognised this saying the "nation as a whole must remain diminished unless and until there is an acknowledgment of, and retreat from, those past injustices." The judges were talking about the way colonial law facilitated the taking of First Peoples' land. The same reasoning applies to sovereignty. For thousands of generations, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nations exercised sovereignty over defined areas of country. The injustice of Britain's self-declared sovereignty over their lands has never been addressed. Treaties offer the chance to do this and create a different story for future generations. One where First Peoples have power over the issues that affect their lives. READ MORE: Where First Peoples families have access to quality education, healthcare and housing. Where First Peoples communities are prosperous, where country is healthy and where culture and language are thriving. Victoria's elected First Peoples Assembly is currently negotiating a statewide treaty with the Allan government. Local traditional owner treaties will follow. Yoorrook's recommendations, from self-determination to education and land rights, provide the grounding for transformation through treaties. Truth-telling is an essential step on the journey to justice and healing. Yoorrook is an invitation to non-Indigenous people to learn and walk together. In the words of Yoorrook's final report, "It's time to let in the light ... so that we might look to the future with clear eyes."
The Advertiser
4 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Trump urges Hamas to accept Gaza ceasefire proposal
US President Donald Trump has urged Iran-backed Hamas militants to agree to what he called a "final proposal" for a 60-day ceasefire with Israel in Gaza that will be delivered by mediating officials from Qatar and Egypt. In a social media post, Trump said his representatives had a "long and productive" meeting with Israeli officials about Gaza. He did not identify his representatives but US special envoy Steve Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance had been due to meet Ron Dermer, a senior adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump on Tuesday said Israel has agreed to the conditions to finalise a 60-day ceasefire, "during which time we will work with all parties to end the War". He said representatives for Qatar and Egypt will deliver "this final proposal" to Hamas. "I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better — IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Trump told reporters earlier in the day he is hopeful that a ceasefire-for-hostages agreement can be achieved next week between Israel and Hamas militants in Gaza. He is set to meet Netanyahu at the White House on Monday. Hamas has said it is willing to free remaining hostages in Gaza under any deal to end the war, while Israel says it can only end if Hamas is disarmed and dismantled. Hamas refuses to lay down its arms. The war in Gaza was triggered when Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. The two sides have shown little sign of a readiness to budge from their entrenched positions. The US has proposed a 60-day ceasefire and the release of half the hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and the remains of other Palestinians. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said earlier this week Israel has agreed to a US-proposed 60-day ceasefire and hostage deal, and put the onus on Hamas. Trump and his aides appear to be seeking to use any momentum from US and Israeli strikes on Iran nuclear sites, as well as a ceasefire that took hold last week in that conflict, to secure a lasting truce in the war in Gaza. Trump told reporters during a visit to Florida that he would be "very firm" with Netanyahu on the need for a speedy Gaza ceasefire while noting that the Israeli leader wants one as well. "We hope it's going to happen. And we're looking forward to it happening sometime next week," he told reporters. "We want to get the hostages out." Gaza's health ministry says Israel's post-October 7 military assault has killed more than 56,000 Palestinians. The assault has also caused a hunger crisis, internally displaced Gaza's entire population and prompted accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice and of war crimes at the International Criminal Court. Israel denies the accusations. US President Donald Trump has urged Iran-backed Hamas militants to agree to what he called a "final proposal" for a 60-day ceasefire with Israel in Gaza that will be delivered by mediating officials from Qatar and Egypt. In a social media post, Trump said his representatives had a "long and productive" meeting with Israeli officials about Gaza. He did not identify his representatives but US special envoy Steve Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance had been due to meet Ron Dermer, a senior adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump on Tuesday said Israel has agreed to the conditions to finalise a 60-day ceasefire, "during which time we will work with all parties to end the War". He said representatives for Qatar and Egypt will deliver "this final proposal" to Hamas. "I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better — IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Trump told reporters earlier in the day he is hopeful that a ceasefire-for-hostages agreement can be achieved next week between Israel and Hamas militants in Gaza. He is set to meet Netanyahu at the White House on Monday. Hamas has said it is willing to free remaining hostages in Gaza under any deal to end the war, while Israel says it can only end if Hamas is disarmed and dismantled. Hamas refuses to lay down its arms. The war in Gaza was triggered when Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. The two sides have shown little sign of a readiness to budge from their entrenched positions. The US has proposed a 60-day ceasefire and the release of half the hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and the remains of other Palestinians. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said earlier this week Israel has agreed to a US-proposed 60-day ceasefire and hostage deal, and put the onus on Hamas. Trump and his aides appear to be seeking to use any momentum from US and Israeli strikes on Iran nuclear sites, as well as a ceasefire that took hold last week in that conflict, to secure a lasting truce in the war in Gaza. Trump told reporters during a visit to Florida that he would be "very firm" with Netanyahu on the need for a speedy Gaza ceasefire while noting that the Israeli leader wants one as well. "We hope it's going to happen. And we're looking forward to it happening sometime next week," he told reporters. "We want to get the hostages out." Gaza's health ministry says Israel's post-October 7 military assault has killed more than 56,000 Palestinians. The assault has also caused a hunger crisis, internally displaced Gaza's entire population and prompted accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice and of war crimes at the International Criminal Court. Israel denies the accusations. US President Donald Trump has urged Iran-backed Hamas militants to agree to what he called a "final proposal" for a 60-day ceasefire with Israel in Gaza that will be delivered by mediating officials from Qatar and Egypt. In a social media post, Trump said his representatives had a "long and productive" meeting with Israeli officials about Gaza. He did not identify his representatives but US special envoy Steve Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance had been due to meet Ron Dermer, a senior adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump on Tuesday said Israel has agreed to the conditions to finalise a 60-day ceasefire, "during which time we will work with all parties to end the War". He said representatives for Qatar and Egypt will deliver "this final proposal" to Hamas. "I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better — IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Trump told reporters earlier in the day he is hopeful that a ceasefire-for-hostages agreement can be achieved next week between Israel and Hamas militants in Gaza. He is set to meet Netanyahu at the White House on Monday. Hamas has said it is willing to free remaining hostages in Gaza under any deal to end the war, while Israel says it can only end if Hamas is disarmed and dismantled. Hamas refuses to lay down its arms. The war in Gaza was triggered when Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. The two sides have shown little sign of a readiness to budge from their entrenched positions. The US has proposed a 60-day ceasefire and the release of half the hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and the remains of other Palestinians. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said earlier this week Israel has agreed to a US-proposed 60-day ceasefire and hostage deal, and put the onus on Hamas. Trump and his aides appear to be seeking to use any momentum from US and Israeli strikes on Iran nuclear sites, as well as a ceasefire that took hold last week in that conflict, to secure a lasting truce in the war in Gaza. Trump told reporters during a visit to Florida that he would be "very firm" with Netanyahu on the need for a speedy Gaza ceasefire while noting that the Israeli leader wants one as well. "We hope it's going to happen. And we're looking forward to it happening sometime next week," he told reporters. "We want to get the hostages out." Gaza's health ministry says Israel's post-October 7 military assault has killed more than 56,000 Palestinians. The assault has also caused a hunger crisis, internally displaced Gaza's entire population and prompted accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice and of war crimes at the International Criminal Court. Israel denies the accusations. US President Donald Trump has urged Iran-backed Hamas militants to agree to what he called a "final proposal" for a 60-day ceasefire with Israel in Gaza that will be delivered by mediating officials from Qatar and Egypt. In a social media post, Trump said his representatives had a "long and productive" meeting with Israeli officials about Gaza. He did not identify his representatives but US special envoy Steve Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance had been due to meet Ron Dermer, a senior adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump on Tuesday said Israel has agreed to the conditions to finalise a 60-day ceasefire, "during which time we will work with all parties to end the War". He said representatives for Qatar and Egypt will deliver "this final proposal" to Hamas. "I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better — IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Trump told reporters earlier in the day he is hopeful that a ceasefire-for-hostages agreement can be achieved next week between Israel and Hamas militants in Gaza. He is set to meet Netanyahu at the White House on Monday. Hamas has said it is willing to free remaining hostages in Gaza under any deal to end the war, while Israel says it can only end if Hamas is disarmed and dismantled. Hamas refuses to lay down its arms. The war in Gaza was triggered when Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. The two sides have shown little sign of a readiness to budge from their entrenched positions. The US has proposed a 60-day ceasefire and the release of half the hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and the remains of other Palestinians. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said earlier this week Israel has agreed to a US-proposed 60-day ceasefire and hostage deal, and put the onus on Hamas. Trump and his aides appear to be seeking to use any momentum from US and Israeli strikes on Iran nuclear sites, as well as a ceasefire that took hold last week in that conflict, to secure a lasting truce in the war in Gaza. Trump told reporters during a visit to Florida that he would be "very firm" with Netanyahu on the need for a speedy Gaza ceasefire while noting that the Israeli leader wants one as well. "We hope it's going to happen. And we're looking forward to it happening sometime next week," he told reporters. "We want to get the hostages out." Gaza's health ministry says Israel's post-October 7 military assault has killed more than 56,000 Palestinians. The assault has also caused a hunger crisis, internally displaced Gaza's entire population and prompted accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice and of war crimes at the International Criminal Court. Israel denies the accusations.
Sky News AU
4 hours ago
- Sky News AU
Renewable energy targets under threat as offshore wind producer considers selling major Victorian project while delays mount
In a major blow to Australia's clean energy targets, one of the nations largest offshore wind producers is considering selling its Gippsland project off the Victoria coast, while transmission line projects continue to lag. Bluefoat Energy, based in Spain, acquired a feasibility license late last year to construct a significant offshore wind project off Victoria's Gippsland region and also secured a preliminary development licence in New South Wales with both considered essential in meeting state and federal emission reduction deadlines. However, The Australian reported that sources within the company revealed BlueFoat was considering departing the Australian market altogether and was further mulling selling off its Victorian development. However, a spokesman for the company declined to comment and insisted that no final decision had been made. Victoria, which stands as one of Australia's most fossil fuel dependent states, has some of the most stringent renewable energy targets in the nation, and aims to reach 95 per cent renewable electricity generation by 2035. Energy experts have been despairing about the feasibility of the state's targets as coal-fired power stations continue to reach the end of their lifespans. Two of the state's largest coal-fired power stations, Energy Australia's Yallourn and AGL Energy's Loy Yang A, are due to close their doors within the next ten years. Clean energy projects, particularly in the south-east, continue to be bogged down in protracted delays, including the VNI West project which will now be completed in 2030 as opposed to the original deadline of 2028. The offshore wind sector also faces lengthening completion timelines, inconsistent state and federal regulation, paired with a lack of global attitude towards the clean energy transition as US President Donald Trump continues to wind down investments in renewable projects both domestically and abroad. Offshore wind also faces a concerning lacks of transmission infrastructure, local manufacturing capabilities and persistent labour shortages. BlueFloat's potential withdrawal is set to raise alarm bells at both federal and state levels, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan both touting offshore wind as one of the most critical elements to Australia's energy transition. Victoria unlike other states has placed offshore wind at the heart of its decarbonisation strategy and set a bold target of producing nine gigawatts of offshore wind capacity by 2040, which the state government claims is enough to power more than 6.5 million homes. However, BlueFoat is not the only global energy consortium facing mounting difficulties in Australia with Norwegian energy firm Equinor also yet to formally accept an offshore wind development licence in NSW. The International Energy Agency has warned that global costs for offshore energy projects have risen by as much as 40 per cent due to supply chain woes and persistently high inflation.
