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Victoria's child protection minister has apologised to First Nations people for the harm inflicted on families as a result of the state's flawed system and colonisation.
In an emotional address to the Yoorrook Justice Commission, minister Lizzie Blandthorn called the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids in Victoria's child protection system "shameful" and vowed to do more to keep them safe.
"I have heard the evidence that this commission has received as a minister and as a mother, I find that it is truly heartbreaking," Ms Blandthorn said on Friday.
"I take this opportunity as minister to apologise formally and unreservedly for the harm caused by the historic removal of First (Nations) people's children from their families, their communities and their country."
It follows recent apologies from Premier Daniel Andrews and Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton for the systemic injustice and mistreatment of First Nations people.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are vastly overrepresented in Victoria's child protection system.
They make up more than 20 per cent of children in the system, up from 14.6 per cent in 2016.
Last year, there were 2635 First Nations children in out-of-home care.
Yoorrook is the first formal truth-telling inquiry into past and ongoing injustices against First Nations people in Victoria.
Victorian government ministers, senior bureaucrats and the chief commissioner of Victoria Police are among the witnesses set to give evidence during public hearings examining the impact of injustice within the criminal and child protection systems.
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Aboriginal Counselling Services 0410 539 905
