Victoria Police has a commitment to protect and support our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and respect their cultural rights.
Read about the Chief Commissioner's Statement of Commitment and about our apology to the Stolen Generations, speak to specially trained liaison officers and see how we’re working to improve community safety.
Apology to the Stolen Generations
Livestream on Friday 24 May 2024: Victoria Police’s acknowledgement and apology for our role in the removal of Aboriginal children of the Stolen Generations.
The Chief Commissioner's Statement of Commitment
Victoria Police has committed to real change when working with the Aboriginal community. Read about the Chief Commissioner's Statement of Commitment as part of the Yoorrook Justice Commission.
Aboriginal Community Liaison Officers
Learn about Victoria Police Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer and Police Aboriginal Liaison Officer programs and how they enhance our relationship with Victorian Aboriginal communities.
Family violence and Aboriginal communities
Our response to family violence affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Aboriginal Youth Cautioning Program
How we aim to reduce the rate of Aboriginal young people in contact with the justice system.
Victoria Police Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Inclusion Action Plan 2023-2025
Our plan for a safe and inclusive workplace for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees.
Respectful use of language
We use the term ‘Aboriginal’ to respectfully refer to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This is consistent with the current language we use in our existing policies, documents and forums. These include Aboriginal Cultural Awareness Training, Aboriginal Justice Forum and Aboriginal Justice Caucus.
Using this term is not intended to deny the right of Aboriginal people to choose the way in which they are referred to.
Acknowledgement
Victoria Police respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land and waterways upon which our lives depend.
We acknowledge and pay our respects to ancestors of this country, Elders, knowledge holders and leaders – past, present and future. We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
We recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are steeped in culture and lore having existed within Australia continuously for some 65,000 years.
We acknowledge the ongoing leadership of Aboriginal communities across Victoria in striving to build on these strengths to address inequalities and improve Aboriginal justice outcomes.
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