Victoria Police will apologise for their role in creating the Stolen Generations

The apology will take place next month in front of survivors and relatives of those impacted.

yoorrook justice commission

The Yoorrook Justice Commission is creating an official public record of the impacts of colonisation on Aboriginal people in Victoria. Source: AAP / CON CHRONIS/AAPIMAGE

Victoria Police will apologise for its role in the Stolen Generations as part of reforms stemming from the state's truth-telling inquiry.

Chief Commissioner Shane Patton has confirmed the force's commitments will include improved processes for Aboriginal people dealing with police.

This will involve expanded cultural awareness training across the organisation and upgraded reporting of police statistics about Aboriginal people.
In total, Victoria Police will carry out 79 reforms by the end of 2025 as part of the its response to the Yoorrook Justice Commission.

Yoorrook is creating an official public record on the impact of colonisation on Aboriginal people in Victoria and will recommend actions to address historical and ongoing injustices.

Mr Patton's announcement came on the first anniversary of his apology in front of the inquiry for the mistreatment of First Nations people by police.

A Victoria Police spokesman said Mr Patton's Stolen Generations apology will take place next month in front of survivors and relatives of those impacted.

"The chief commissioner will deliver an apology to the survivors of the Stolen Generations and their families at a community event in Thornbury on Friday 24 May," he said.
Police on Wednesday unveiled the installation of a shield presented to the force at last year's Yoorrook's appearance.

Yoorrook Commission Chair Eleanor Bourke said police needed to implement further actions to correct any wrongs of the past.

"First Peoples have long suffered from broken promises and unfulfilled commitments following momentous apologies and acknowledgements," she said.

"As I said a year ago, your apology must bring real change, chief commissioner. And it must be lasting."

Yoorrook's final report is expected to be handed down in 2025

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Published 9 May 2024 12:11pm
Source: AAP


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