Aboriginal Victorians Were Victims of Genocide, Commission Finds

The Yoorrook Justice Commission heard from more than 200 witnesses over the past 4 years and has made 100 recommendations for urgent change.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan receives message sticks at a Parliamentry Reception following the Yoorrook Justice Commission Walk for Truth at Parliament House, in Melbourne, Australia, on June 18, 2025. AAP Image/Joel Carrett

After receiving over 1,300 submissions and hearing directly from more than 9,000 Aboriginal people across Victoria over four years, the Yoorrook Justice Commission has released a report containing 100 recommendations for urgent change.

Between 1829 and 1860, the commission says, an estimated 978 Aboriginal people were killed in seven massacres by settlers or soldiers, as between 300 and 500 clan groups were violently dispossessed of their lands.