By CALLUM GODDE

Crunch time is coming for Victoria’s truth-telling inquiry, with a new commissioner appointed after the opposition pulled its support for treaty talks.

A distinguished retired judge has joined the ranks of Victoria’s truth-telling inquiry as the delivery of its final report nears.

Anthony North KC, who served as a Federal Court judge from 1995 to 2018, was appointed as a commissioner of the Yoorrook Justice Commission by Victorian Governor Margaret Gardner on Tuesday.

His main focus were cases involving native title, refugee law, industrial law and criminal appeals.

“I hope that my skills and experience will help advance (the commission’s) work: to tell the truth of our history,” said Mr North, who has also been chair of the Victorian Law Reform Commission since 2019.

“That truth is the foundation for community understanding, which is necessary so that we can move towards a more just society.”

Other members of the commission are chair Eleanor Bourke, deputy chair Sue-Anne Hunter, Travis Lovett and Maggie Walter.

Professor Bourke said it was a crucial period for the commission as it simultaneously undertakes inquiries in to land, health, housing, education and economic, social and political life.

Public hearings have been slated for coming months before the body completes its work by June 2025.

The commission will deliver its final report to the First Peoples Assembly of Victoria and Victorian government in the first half of 2025, with recommendations to inform treaty negotiations.

Negotiations between the assembly and the Victorian government are at an early stage but lost bipartisan support last week.

The assembly said it was blindsided when the state opposition pulled its backing for the process, citing concerns about cultural heritage laws.
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AAP