Our youth, our way

Systemic inquiry into the over-representation of Aboriginal children and young people in Victoria's youth justice system

Our youth, our way: Inquiry into the over-representation of Aboriginal children and young people in the Victorian youth justice system was tabled in the Victorian Parliament on 9 June 2021. 

Download the summary or full report

Read the media release

This report presents the findings and recommendations of the Koori Youth Justice Taskforce and the Commission’s systemic inquiry, Our youth, our way. The Koori Youth Justice Taskforce was a partnership project with the Department of Justice and Community Safety, and considered all Aboriginal children and young people in contact with Youth Justice from October 2018 to March 2019. The Commission commenced its systemic inquiry in May 2019.

Our inquiry sought to understand the lived experiences of Aboriginal children and young people in Victoria and the factors contributing to their over-representation in the youth justice system. We thank the 93 children and young people who shared their stories with us, some of which are included in the report.

We hope these stories will motivate policymakers to achieve the vision for change contained in this report – a reimagined system that protects the rights of Aboriginal children and young people and supports them to thrive.