Victorian Premier Testifies at Truth-Telling Inquiry on Aboriginal Massacres

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan spoke at the Yoorrook Justice Commission, becoming the first Australian government leader to do so, where she detailed the distress she felt upon learning about the historical massacres of Aboriginal tribes near her home. Through hours of testimony, Ms Allan highlighted the theft of land from Aboriginal nations in Victoria and acknowledged that the sovereignty of these clans was never officially relinquished.

Ms Allan's research into the colonization of Victoria revealed multiple massacres that occurred near Bendigo, prompting feelings of distress and shame at the brutality that took place on Aboriginal lands. Commissioned by Aboriginal man Travis Lovett, Ms Allan agreed that Aboriginal people were massacred and forcibly removed from their lands as settlers sought to occupy the best territories. The inquiry also emphasized the systemic erasure of Aboriginal history from public knowledge and the need to address the historical wrongs and dispossession faced by First Peoples.

Counsel assisting Yoorrook, Tony McAvoy SC, highlighted the atrocities committed against Aboriginal people, including murder, theft of land, and the exploitation of women and children, all to benefit settlers. The commission explored the government's role in redressing these human rights abuses, focusing on the unresolved issue of land theft and the lack of compensation for Aboriginal communities. Ms Allan's testimony also touched upon the importance of a treaty process to provide closure and prevent Aboriginal people from being politicized and exploited by the government.