Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police Shane Patton Monday apologized to the Indigenous people of Victoria, Australia for harm they have experienced at the hands of Victorian police. At the Yoorrook Justice Commission (the Commission), Patton recognized and apologized “formally and reservedly” for the long history of racism, discrimination, and trauma directed towards Indigenous people by the police, including the Stolen Generation, high levels of incarceration and deaths in custody.

Patton stated he hoped this would be a “watershed moment” for police and called for “transformative,” “urgent, effective” and purpose-driven change for Victoria. In the position of chief commissioner, Patton stated he would “not tolerate bias, racism or unequal exercise of discretionary powers towards Aboriginal people.”

The creation of the commission follows the Victorian government’s announcement in July 2020 that they would create a “truth and justice process to formally recognise historic wrongs – and address ongoing injustices” in the wake of a resolution being passed by the First Peoples’ Assembly for such a process. The commission will explore both past and present injustices through a formal truth-telling process. It will then make recommendations on “healing, system reform and practical changes to laws, policy and education.”

It was also advised during Patton’s speech that Victoria police are going through official records to discover the extent of police involvement in the Stolen Generations so that accountability can be assured.