Since the release of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Inclusion Action Plan 2023–2025, important changes have occurred within Victoria Police, these include:
- The Chief Commissioner’s appearance at the Yoorrook Justice Commission’s Hearing on 8 May 2023, including his apology to the Victorian Aboriginal community for past injustices on behalf of Victoria Police.
- Chief Commissioner’s Shield unveiling on 8 May 2024 at Victoria Police Centre. The Shield was presented to the Chief Commissioner by the Yoorrook Justice Commission and he committed to displaying the shield to serve as a reminder to all employees of Victoria Police’s duty to protect Aboriginal communities and families.
- Chief Commissioner’s Formal Apology to Stolen Generations on 24 May 2024.
- Implementation of Chief Commissioner’s SoC 79 actions covering broad themes of monitoring and accountability, cultural competence and human rights. Establishment of the First Peoples Committee as a Tier 1 Commitment to provide oversight of the implementation of the 79 SoC actions.
- All SoC actions were acquitted by the First Peoples Committee on 17 December 2025.
- Yoorrook Justice Commission’s Reports and Recommendations.
- Commencement of the Statewide Treaty Act 2025 on 1 May 2026.
The Action Plan sets out a commitment to build on the achievements of the 2023–2025 Inclusion Action Plan, in partnership with DYAEN and the Aboriginal Portfolio Reference Group (APRG) and is supported by the Victoria Police Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Framework 2023–2030. The Action Plan is also underpinned by the Victorian Public Sector’s Barring Djinang First Peoples Workforce Development Framework 2024–2028 (Barring Djinang Phase 2).
Our vision is consistent with best practice guidelines, being aligned to Victorian government strategies, initiatives, and legislative frameworks, including:
- The Statewide Treaty Act 2025 and Statewide Treaty: First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria Ltd and State of Victoria
- Victorian Aboriginal Affairs Framework (VAAF)
- Victorian Aboriginal and Local Government Strategy 2021–2026: Pathway to Stronger Partnerships
- Korin Korin Balit-Djak: Aboriginal health, wellbeing and safety strategic plan 2017–2027
- Balit Murrup: Aboriginal Social and Emotional Wellbeing Framework (2017–2027)
- Equal Opportunity Act 2010
- Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006.
Victoria Police acknowledges the importance of Aboriginal employees’ cultural knowledge in achieving self-determination across the organisation. We will also work towards self-determination in partnership with our internal and external partners, including APRG and DYAENC.
Self-determination, cultural safety and inclusion for all Aboriginal employees will also be supported by the Equal, Safe & Strong Victoria Police Gender Equality Strategy 2020–2030, and the Victoria Police Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan 2026–2029 (GEDI).
Australiasian Council of Women in Policing First Nations and Indigenous Award
Artist Stacey Edwards, proud Taungerung/Boon Wurrung/Bunurong woman with traditional connections to the Melbourne region was commissioned to create this piece for the Australasian Council of Women in Policing (ACWAP) First Nations and Indigenous Award in 2025.
The spiral shape was chosen to illustrate the coming together of police and community, represented by the colour blue known as ‘blue mob’ with the ochre yellow representing the wider community.
Emu feathers represent a deep spiritual and physical connection to the land and Ancestors in Aboriginal culture, serving as symbols of resilience, spiritual insight and knowledge. The Emu is a totemic animal and its feathers symbolise hard work and humility.
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