Kapish to provide ICTMS to Yoorrook Justice Commission

Enterprise software and security company Kapish has been appointed to provide Information and Communication Technology (ICT) managed services for the Yoorrook Justice Commission as it establishes an official record of the impact of colonisation on First Peoples in Victoria.

The Commission encapsulates the theme for National Reconciliation Week 2022 (27 May to 3 June) of “Be Brave. Make Change.” — a challenge to all Australians to be brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation so we can make change for the benefit of all Australians.

Nuther-mooyoop (submissions) are now being received from Elders, recognising that the process is grounded in and guided by their cultural authority. Yoorrook will soon invite other First Peoples to tell their truth, followed by the broader Victorian community. A nuther-mooyoop can be made in any form, including writing, photos, video or audio recording, artwork or cultural artefact. Wurrek tyerrang (public hearings) are also underway, with a series of truth-telling forums across Victoria via yarning circles, workshops, round tables, and cultural site and community visits. The entire process is being seamlessly underpinned by Kapish’s secure content management cloud solution, with First Peoples data sovereignty a priority at every step.

Through its proven ‘Commission as a service’ offering, Kapish (a Citadel Group company) is delivering managed IT support for almost 50 full-time Commission staff until mid-2024, offering best of breed solutions to a complex truth-telling and capturing process. Kapish’s expertise, honed during its work on the Royal Commission into the Management of Police Informants and The Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, guarantees the Commission the ability to focus on its vital work.

As well as supplying and supporting an extensive suite of hardware and software, Kapish is providing cloud services with Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) PROTECTED level classification to collect, store and archive culturally sensitive stories submitted in a range of forms. The process is also taking a unique approach to ensuring culturally safe data sovereignty that puts First Peoples at the centre and firmly in control of their stories.

Kapish General Manager Ryan Harris said the project draws on the the organisation’s experience in this unique space.

“We are delighted to be supporting Yoorrook Justice Commission as it embarks on this landmark truth-telling process. This is now our third Commission, and we are proud to be delivering our leading ‘Commission as a Service’ offering, setting a new benchmark in a fully managed information technology solution.

“The partnership is also developing innovative solutions to respectful and culturally sensitive information management. We have been working closely with Yoorrook to ensure all submissions are treated securely and respectfully, whichever form they may take, with particular focus on ensuring First Peoples’ data sovereignty is always front of mind,” he said.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Blue Planet Studio