Fair Agenda

This is the first gathering of Fair Agenda's online Feminist 'Book' Club.

For this gathering we will read: excerpts from the Yorrook Justice Commission's report.

Specifically: 

• Pages 124 - 128 (Excerpt of Thinking Black, Fighting Back)

• Pages 178 - 179 (Excerpt of Broken Promises)

• Pages 280 - 285 (Testimony of Aunty Caroline Briggs AM)

• Pages 298 - 301 (Testimony of Aunty Di Kerr OAM)

• Pages 338 - 343 (Testimony of Nerita Waight)

• Pages 348 - 351 (Testimony of Aunty Nellie Flag)

You can access the Report online here. It is also available in hard copy at the State Library of Victoria in the Redmond Barry Reading Room.

Why this reading, in this moment?

The Uluru Statement from the Heart called for Voice, Truth and Treaty across the country.

The Yorrook Justice Commission was Victoria's and Australia's first formal truth-telling inquiry into the historic and systemic injustices perpetrated against First Peoples through colonisation. It took place over four years, and thousands of Victorians shared evidence. This Report contains excerpts from that testimony, and the Commission's findings.

Off the back of the Commission, Victoria was the first state to deliver Treaty. Heading into the Victorian state election, that Treaty is now under threat - with the Victorian Opposition Leader committing to repeal Treaty if elected.

Understanding the importance of Treaty, and the role of First Nations justice in a gender just future has never been more important. These excerpts in particular discuss the experiences of First Nations women; and the intersections of First Nations justice and gender justice.

How Feminist 'Book' Club will run:

Each meeting of the Feminist Book Club:

• There will be a quick opportunity for connection and check in with other participants (using zoom Break out rooms)
• We will all discuss what we’ve taken from the text, and how it relates to working for feminist futures 
• We will all share what we're taking away from the reading
• The Fair Agenda team will share an opportunity to take action in current campaigns for gender equality