Victoria Police has pledged to implement 79 significant reforms by the end of 2025 in response to findings from the Yoorrook Justice Commission, Victoria's Indigenous truth-telling inquiry. 

These commitments aim to address past wrongs, including the force's role in the Stolen Generations, and to enhance the treatment and services provided to Aboriginal people.

Among the slated improvements, Victoria Police will issue a formal apology for its historical involvement in the Stolen Generations. 

This apology is scheduled for next month in Melbourne, symbolising a significant step toward reconciliation and acknowledgement of past police practices that harmed Aboriginal communities.

Chief Commissioner Shane Patton says the force is dedicated to transformational change, acknowledging the need for substantial reforms in how police engage with Aboriginal people. 

“I made an undertaking on that day to respect Aboriginal people to defend them as best as I can to change the way we engage with the Aboriginal community,” Patton stated during his previous appearance before the Yoorrook Justice Commission.

In addition to the apology, the reforms will include enhanced monitoring and reporting of complaints made by Aboriginal people and improvements in the collection and publication of police statistics concerning Aboriginal interactions with law enforcement. 

These statistics will cover areas such as searches, official warnings, and remand incidents.

A notable reform already in place is the establishment of a new role - an Aboriginal complaints officer dedicated to overseeing the handling of such complaints, ensuring they are addressed fairly and promptly.

The force's broader strategy involves augmenting Aboriginal cultural awareness and human rights training across all levels of the organisation. 

Additionally, Victoria Police has voiced its support for any new independent oversight body proposed by the Yoorrook Justice Commission, which continues to push for the creation of an external police oversight authority.

Dr Eleanor Bourke, Chair of the Yoorrook Commission, has reiterated the importance of action over mere words. 

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

The final report from the Yoorrook Justice Commission is expected in 2025, the same year these reforms are due to be fully realised.