Victorian Government Official Issues Apology for Historical Dispossession of Land
Victoria’s Surveyor-General, Craig Sandy, acknowledged the historical trauma caused by surveyors to Indigenous people through land confiscation.
In the past, European settlers considered Australia as “terra nullius,” meaning land without previous sovereignty. This concept allowed for the legal confiscation of Aboriginal land and the justification of European settlement, resulting in the killing or imprisonment of Indigenous people.
Apology
Craig Sandy issued a formal and sincere apology on behalf of surveyor-generals past and present for their role in the dispossession of Indigenous land in Victoria, causing intergenerational trauma.
He expressed deep regret for preventing Indigenous people from caring for their land, practicing language, and exercising their rights.
Mr. Sandy acknowledged the systemic process that allowed land injustice to occur and committed to updating surveyor handbooks to include references to the Mabo decision.
Earlier, the Commission was informed that the British government anticipated the disastrous impact of settler arrival on Aboriginal people in Port Phillip, having witnessed similar outcomes in other areas.
The Yoorrook Commission aims to document the effects of colonisation on Aboriginal communities in Victoria and propose actions to address past injustices.
Its findings will contribute to the state’s Treaty Negotiation Framework and feature testimonies from key government officials and Indigenous leaders.
