Today marks thirty years since the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody was tabled in Federal Parliament.

It was a seminal moment in our nation’s history. It was supposed to lay out a clear path to reconciliation, and to justice reform. It was supposed to save lives.

Instead too many Aboriginal Victorians are still dying in custody.  Too many Aboriginal Victorians are in custody in the first place.

For families and communities, the recent death of an Aboriginal person at Ravenhall Correctional Centre is a tragedy and yet another reminder that more work is needed.

Reforms to the justice system, such as the abolition of the crime of public drunkenness and the creation of a spent convictions scheme were long overdue, but we are getting on with implementing them.

We are pursuing a Treaty to recognise and celebrate the unique status, rights, cultures and histories of Aboriginal Victorians, and finally close the gap in outcomes.

Importantly, the Yoo-rrook Justice Commission, afforded the full powers of a Royal Commission, will investigate both historic and contemporary injustices, in a holistic way, so we can continue to make meaningful, systemic and lasting change.

We have made these ongoing and necessary reforms in partnership with the Aboriginal community, the Aboriginal Justice Caucus and the First Peoples’ Assembly.  We will continue to work together under the principle of self-determination to reduce the overrepresentation of Aboriginal Victorians in the justice system.

The recommendations of the Royal Commission are just as important today as they were 30 years ago – and we will implement them, alongside our partnership with community under Burra Lotjpa Dunguludja – the Aboriginal Justice Agreement Phase 4.

We can do better. We will do better.