The National Walk for Truth finished today on the steps of Parliament House on Ngambri and Ngunnawal Country, marking the completion of an almost 900 kilometre journey from Naarm (Melbourne) to Canberra.
Led by Kerrupmara/Gunditjmara and Boandik man Travis Lovett, Executive Director of the University of Melbourne's Centre for Truth-telling and Dialogue, the Walk brought together people across Australia to listen, learn and engage in a shared process of truth-telling.
"We stand at Parliament with truths that were never meant to survive," Mr Lovett said. "Their survival demands action from the Prime Minister, not words.
"This is the moment for national leadership. Not symbolic leadership, real leadership that listens, learns and legislates for truth.
"We walked 900km to show what commitment looks like. Now the country must continue to walk the next steps together, side by side."
The National Walk for Truth builds on the momentum of the 2025 Victorian Walk for Truth and Mr Lovett's work as Deputy Chair and Commissioner of the Yoorrook Justice Commission, Australia's first formal truth-telling process.
Professor Barry Judd, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) at the University of Melbourne, said the the walk highlighted the need for national leadership to truth-telling.
"The National Walk for Truth has strengthened understanding of why this work matters," Professor Judd said.
"As it reaches Parliament House, it underscores the need for a coordinated, national approach to truth-telling, led by First Peoples and shaped by their voices and experiences.
"The walk also highlights the importance of evidence-based research in informing national conversations about Australia's past and present, and the essential role that universities play in contributing to public life."
The University of Melbourne will continue to support truth-telling through the work of its Centre for Truth-telling and Dialogue and through ongoing engagement with First Peoples and communities across the country, as part of its broader commitment to recognising the historical and ongoing impacts of colonisation on First Peoples.
