Yoorrook welcomes legislative amendments to help safeguard First Peoples’ records

The Yoorrook Justice Commission has welcomed the passing of new legislation, the Inquiries Amendment (Yoorrook Justice Commission Records and Other Matters) Act 2025 (Vic) which responds to recommendations made by Yoorrook.

The amendments to the Inquiries Act 2014 (Vic) uphold the Commission’s commitment to Indigenous data sovereignty by retaining First Peoples’ choices on how they want their evidence to be used beyond the end of the Commission.

Specifically, the legislation gives the Commission the power to make orders to close or restrict access to specified records for 99 years after it concludes.

Yoorrook is due to complete its work in June 2025, at which point all records will be transferred to the Public Record Office Victoria.

Chair of the Yoorrook Justice Commission, Professor Eleanor Bourke AM said:

“Yoorrook called for these amendments to safeguard First Peoples’ choices about how their records are managed once Yoorrook ends. This is a welcome step by the Victorian Government.

“This legislation does not affect First Peoples who have asked for their truths to be published on our website and documented as part of Yoorrook’s Official Public Record. I urge all Victorians to spend some time exploring Yoorrook’s website and the wealth of evidence people have shared with Yoorrook through hearings and submissions.”

Distinguished Professor Commissioner Maggie Walter said:

“This legislation ensures that First Peoples retain their right to self-determine how their evidence to the Commission is treated now and into the future. It addresses injustices of the past where First Peoples’ stories were very often taken and used by others. This legislation honours the trust of those who have been willing to share their truth with Yoorrook. It acknowledges that First Peoples have the right to control their own information and how it is shared: a fundamental step in the process of truth-telling and treaty.”

ENDS

Notes:

• Recommendation 45 of the Yoorrook for Justice (2023) report states:By 29 February 2024 the Victorian Government must legislate to create new statutory protection for public records that ensure that information shared on a confidential basis with Yoorrook will be kept confidential for a minimum of 99 years once Yoorrook finishes its work and its records are transferred to the Victorian Government.