Drummond Street Services and Queerspace Statement on Yoorrook Justice Commission Final Report

The release of the Yoorrook Justice Commission’s final report is a powerful and painful reminder of the truth that First Nations communities have carried and lived with for generations. It documents the violent legacy of colonisation, the ongoing impacts of systemic racism, and the strength, survival and resistance of First Peoples across this land. The evidence in the report shows that there was genocide in Victoria and that it has major impacts on First Nations people to this day.

At Drummond Street Services and Queerspace, we believe there can be no justice without truth. Yoorrook has created a historic public record and laid out a clear path forward towards Treaty, accountability and reform that must be led by First Peoples.

We encourage the Victorian Government to accept all of the recommendations.

These findings make it more important than ever for non-Indigenous organisations and communities to stand in solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in their fight for justice, self-determination and sovereignty. Truth-telling is not just a government responsibility. It is a collective responsibility that demands deep listening, reflection and action.

We will be marching in the NAIDOC March this Friday to honour the courage of those who shared their stories and to walk alongside First Peoples in this fight for change.

You are warmly invited to march with us. Please meet us outside 100 Drummond Street, Carlton, at 11.30 am.

Always was, always will be Aboriginal land.