The Australian State of Victoria is taking a major step toward addressing its long history of violence and discrimination against LGBTQIA+ people, with RMIT University’s School of Law launching groundbreaking research into reparations and justice for affected communities.
Led by Dr Jeremie Bracka, the new study aims to confront decades of state and social failures, while exploring legal and restorative measures to help victims, families, and communities heal.
“Australia is still reckoning with its LGBTIQA+ past and legacies of human rights abuses,” said Dr Bracka.
“Even today, we have seen an explosion of prejudice and discrimination against trans people in particular. There are measures being taken around Australia to reconcile and address the past from a legal perspective, but Victoria seems to be lagging behind.”
Building a Framework for Justice
The research — the first transitional justice project of its kind in Victoria — will examine both historical and ongoing hate crimes, including unsolved cases and policing failures that disproportionately targeted LGBTQIA+ Victorians.
Dr Bracka said the project’s goal is to develop a tailored Victorian response that promotes acknowledgement, healing, and safety.
“While there has been much less public attention in Victoria, it’s not as if there haven’t been LGBTIQA+ hate crimes here,” he explained.
“This research will help drive a tailored response in Victoria — highlighting RMIT’s role in leading impactful research and conversations that create meaningful change.”
The project draws inspiration from interstate precedents, including:
- The NSW Special Commission of Inquiry into LGBTIQ Hate Crimes, and
- Tasmania’s expungement laws and compensation scheme for those historically criminalised for same-sex relationships.
Roundtable on Reform
In November, Dr Bracka will host a roundtable discussion in partnership with Joe Ball, Victoria’s Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities, alongside advocates, legal experts, and survivors.
The roundtable will inform both the research and future legal reforms — a step towards justice for victims and systemic accountability for decades of institutional neglect.
The Fight for Safety, Dignity & Freedom
This week, Joe Ball will also deliver the 2025 Higinbotham Lecture, one of RMIT’s most prestigious annual events, named after Victorian Chief Justice and progressive reformer George Higinbotham.
The lecture — titled “All That We Are: The Fight for Safety, Dignity and Freedom for All” — will examine how Australia can foster equality and courage in the face of renewed hostility toward queer communities.
“At a time of growing backlash against LGBTIQA+ communities both in Australia and globally, the call for leadership grounded in human rights has never been stronger,” the event description reads.
“Joe Ball invites us to reflect on how we can stand firm in our convictions, build coalitions without erasing difference, and move beyond defence towards shaping a shared vision for justice.”
Towards a More Inclusive Future
Dr Bracka hopes this new research will help bridge the gap between apology and action — setting a foundation for reparations and greater accountability.
“This is about making sure the lessons of the past translate into legal and cultural change,” he said.
“The fight for safety, dignity, and freedom for all Victorians is far from over — but this is an important step in that journey.”
