Speaking truth to power: Historic dialogue on truth-telling and Yoorrook Justice Comission
Federation University Australia’s National Centre for Reconciliation, Truth, and Justice is proud to announce a landmark event: Speaking Truth to Power – the Yoorrook Justice Commission and Truth-Telling.
Adjunct Professor Sue-Anne Hunter, former Deputy Chair and Commissioner of the Yoorrook Justice Commission, will deliver the first public lecture on Yoorrook and Truth-Telling since the Commission delivered its reports to government.
Her address will set the stage for a compelling panel discussion featuring internationally recognised thought-leaders, including Professor Hunter, Professor Emma-Jaye Gavin, Australia’s first Indigenous Professor of Truth-Telling, Professor Barry Judd, Maria Dimopoulos AM, and Professor Andrew Gunstone, Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor Reconciliation at Federation University.
Together, the panel will explore the findings of the Yoorrook Justice Commission, the future of Truth-Telling in Victoria, and its implications for Treaty development. They will also examine Truth-Telling initiatives across Australia and globally, and discuss how individuals, organisations, and communities can actively participate in this vital work.
With more than 600 registrations already received, the event promises to be a powerful moment of reflection and dialogue.
The event will take place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on Monday 8 September, from 6 to 8pm, and is proudly supported by Reconciliation Victoria, the Settlement Council of Australia, and Victorian Aboriginal News.
To register, visit: www.eventbrite.com.au/e/speaking-truth-to-power-the-yoorrook-justice-commission-and-truth-telling-tickets-1534277939619
Quote attributable to Federation University Australia Adjunct Professor Sue-Anne Hunter
“Truth-telling is not just about recounting history – it’s about creating a future built on honesty and respect. The Yoorrook Justice Commission has laid a powerful foundation, and now it’s time for all of us to carry that truth forward.”
Quote attributable to Federation University Australia Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor Reconciliation Professor Andrew Gunstone
“This event marks a pivotal moment in our journey toward reconciliation. By bringing together diverse voices and perspectives, we aim to deepen understandings and inspire meaningful actions across our state and nation.”
Quote attributable to Federation University Australia Professor of Indigenous Truth-Telling Research Professor Emma-Jaye Gavin
“First Nations Truth-Telling in Australia is vital for interrogating the legacies and ongoing structures of colonial violence, affirming First Nations sovereignty, and advancing reconciliation through historically grounded justice, collective healing, and transformative and sustainable political futures.”
Adjunct Professor Hunter, Professor Gunstone, and Professor Gavin are also available for further comment.
Speaker Bios:
• Professor Hunter is National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People and Adjunct Professor and Advisory Board member at the National Centre for Reconciliation, Truth, and Justice at Federation University Australia
• Professor Gavin is Professor of Indigenous Truth-Telling Research at the National Centre for Reconciliation, Truth, and Justice
• Professor Judd is Deputy Vice Chancellor Indigenous at the University of Melbourne and an Advisory Board member at the National Centre for Reconciliation, Truth, and Justice
• Maria Dimopoulos AM is CEO of the Settlement Council of Australia and Adjunct Senior Research Fellow at the National Centre for Reconciliation, Truth, and Justice
• Professor Andrew Gunstone is Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor Reconciliation, Executive Director National Centre for Reconciliation, Truth, and Justice, and Co-Chair Reconciliation Victoria
About the National Centre for Reconciliation, Truth, and Justice
Australia’s leading think-tank on reconciliation, the National Centre for Reconciliation, Truth, and Justice explores regional and national understandings and engagements in these areas across community, industry, and academia, through a rich program of education, engagement, outreach, and research. More information about the National Centre can be found on its webpage and on LinkedIn