Five commissioners have been announced to lead an Australian-first truth-telling inquiry into the wrongs committed against Aboriginal people after white settlement.

The first appointees to the Yoo-rrook Justice Commission, which is slated to begin in July, were revealed on Friday morning.

Wergala/WambaWamba elder Eleanor Burke, YortaYorta and DjaDja Wurrung man Wayne Atkinson, Wurundjeri and Nguralillum Wurrung woman Sue-Anne Hunter, Palawa woman Maggie Walter and former Supreme Court justice Kevin Bell have been appointed to the commission.

Professor Burke, who has been elected chairwoman of the truth-telling commission, said the process would be emotional, however, it would provide direction for “securing our culture”.

“It won’t all be sad, I hope, I expect that there will be stories that we will want to hear and want to know about because we’re talking about the history of this state,” she said.

“(We will be discussing) what happened, what was done, and why we do and say what we do know about our rights, our wishes, and our aspiration for keeping land for our people, for securing and keeping our culture and keeping our language.”

The five commissioners announced on Friday will operate independently of the state government.

The truth-telling commissioners will have the full powers of a Royal Commission, and be able to compel the government and other organisations – such as churches or schools – to appear in order to answer questions or produce documents.

Though the commission will be able to make reform recommendations, it will not have the power to order reparations, punish individuals, or implement reforms.

Acting Premier James Merlino said announcing the commission was one of the proudest moments of his career.

“Truth and justice are incredibly powerful, and (we will) have that that listening engagement in every corner of our state,” he said.

“We will hear deep sadness, but we’ll also hear about deep joy.

“The ability for the people to share their stories uninhibited is incredibly transformational … This is nation-leading and transformational work that we’re doing here in Victoria.”

The commission is expected to begin in July 2021, with its final report due in three years. An interim report is expected to be made in the middle of next year.

The state government has flagged it will commit $58 million to the commission in Tuesday’s budget.

With Tony Wright

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