Yoorrook Justice Commission final reports
The Yoorrook Justice Commission tabled its final reports in the Victorian Parliament, marking a profound moment in Victoria’s journey towards truth-telling, justice and treaty with First Peoples. The APF acknowledges the significance of this milestone and the opportunity it presents to reflect, learn, and commit to meaningful change within the education system.
The final reports are the culmination of two years of inquiry into the historical and ongoing challenges faced by First Peoples in Victoria across multiple domains, including education. They provide a powerful historical record, grounded in the lived experiences and truths shared by First Peoples.
The Commission found that, over generations, aspects of Victoria’s education system have played a role in the displacement and marginalisation of Aboriginal people and the diminishing of their cultural identity. Despite recent reforms and initiatives, the report concludes that deep inequities remain and that structural change is essential to closing the gap.
Key Findings and Recommendations in Education
The report found that Victoria’s education system has contributed to systemic injustice for Aboriginal learners, including:
- Persistent educational disadvantage across early childhood, school, and tertiary sectors
- Experiences of racism and a lack of cultural safety in schools
- Limited inclusion of Aboriginal knowledge systems in the curriculum
- Minimal Aboriginal leadership in education decision-making
To address these systemic issues, the Commission recommends:
- Establishing an independent, Aboriginal-led Education Authority
- Embedding Aboriginal culture, language, and knowledge across the curriculum
- Mandating cultural safety training for all education staff
- Increasing the number of Aboriginal teachers and leaders
- Ensuring culturally safe pathways from early learning through to tertiary education
- Strengthening accountability and Aboriginal governance in education policy
School leaders play a pivotal role in shaping inclusive and culturally safe learning environments. The Commission’s recommendations highlight the need to move beyond performative reconciliation and embrace genuine partnerships with local Aboriginal communities. Principals are key agents of this transformation through leadership, curriculum implementation, staff development, and advocacy.
The release of the Yoorrook reports is not the end, but a beginning. It is a call to action for all of us in education to reflect honestly on the past and to commit to a future grounded in truth, respect, and equity. The APF encourages school leaders to engage deeply with the report, and to consider how its findings and recommendations can inform your local school context and leadership.
To read the full reports and access resources, visit the Yoorrook Justice Commission website: yoorrookjusticecommssionreports.org.au