Premier Jacinta Allan has announced that she will make a formal apology in Parliament House on Tuesday 9 December .
The apology is a key recommendation of Victoria’s nation-leading Yoorrook Justice Commission and was committed to in the first Treaty, following the Statewide Treaty Act 2025 becoming law.
The commission heard evidence that the colonisation of Victoria was marked by dispossession, displacement and violence towards First Peoples.
The final report of the Yoorrook Justice Commission recommended an acknowledgement of the responsibility of predecessors for laws, policies and practices that contributed to injustices against First Peoples in Victoria.
The state government has worked with the First Peoples’ Assembly to deliver the apology through the Treaty process.
Ms Allan said she hopes the apology helps build a better future for the state.
“We are addressing the injustices of the past to build a better future for all Victorians, grounded in mutual respect and understanding.”
Treaty and First Peoples minister Natalie Hutchins said the commission painted a picture that needs fixing.
“Yoorrook has laid bare the impacts of the past on First Peoples – it’s important that we apologise for injustices and acknowledge their enduring strength.”
The apology can be viewed by the public at Parliament House and it will also be live-streamed on the Parliament of Victoria website at parliament.vic.gov.au.
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