Victoria Police apologises for 'generational racism' against aboriginals

Commissioner Patton addresses trauma caused to Aboriginal families in truth-telling inquiry.

Victoria Police apologises for 'generational racism' against aboriginals
Remove Ads

Victorian police have apologised for racist treatment of Aboriginal families over generations.

The state’s top cop Commissioner Shane Patton told a truth-telling inquiry that Victoria Police had caused and contributing to trauma experienced Aboriginal families.

“I know Victoria Police has caused harm in the past and unfortunately, continues to do so in the present,” he told the Yoorrook Justice Commission.

“As an organisation, we continue to make necessary changes and improvement and it is a firm requirement of mine that we will continually strive to do better.”

Patton, speaking to inquiry commissioners who have repeatedly condemned what they say is Aboriginal people’s over-representation in prison, said police racism was not intentional.

“As a result of systemic racism, racist attitudes and discriminatory actions of police have gone undetected, unchecked, unpunished or without appropriate sanctions and have caused significant harm across generations of Aboriginal families,” he said.

When Patton finished his evidence, the inquiry observed a minute’s silence.

“Your apology must bring real change,” Yoorrook chair Eleanor Bourke said.

Remove Ads
Remove Ads

  • By Avi Yemini

Sign up for Rebel News Australia!

Get updates on Rebel News coverage in Australia delivered straight to your inbox so you never miss a story!

Sign Up

REBEL STORE AUSTRALIA

Get Rebel News Australia merchandise! All our products are printed in and fulfilled from Queensland.

SHOP NOW

Don't Get Censored

Big Tech is censoring us. Sign up so we can always stay in touch.

Remove Ads