Acknowledgement

We recognise the Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples of the lands across Queensland as the first custodians of this land. We acknowledge their ancestors, spirits, resilience and legacy.  

We recognise the many distinct Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Queensland – the freshwater peoples, saltwater peoples, desert peoples and rainforest peoples. Each have their own unique laws, traditions, languages, culture and traditional knowledge and are the care takers of their lands, seas, waters, air and resources.  

The Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry will complete the picture of Queensland’s history through truth-telling. The Inquiry acknowledges that the colonisation of Queensland and the dispossession of peoples, lands, seas, waters and air has had devastating, and ongoing, impacts on Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

Truth-telling uncovers experiences of endurance, resilience and strength of Queensland’s first peoples and is a powerful way to begin the healing process. Healing will help Queensland move towards a more positive relationship with Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  

Our aim is to create a shared future that is inclusive of all and embraces our diversity. Our future is one of truth, reflection, healing and respect. 

22 November 2024

Open letter from Inquiry Chairperson Mr Joshua Creamer

 

Dear Queenslanders,

Call for final submissions and materials to the Inquiry

The Queensland Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry (the Inquiry) was established pursuant to the Path to Treaty Act 2023 (the Act) and commenced its work on 1 July 2024 for a 3-year term.

The Inquiry will examine the effects of colonisation in Queensland, including historical legislation, policies, and practices as well as contemporary issues which continue to impact our state as a legacy of those historical practices.

Update regarding the Inquiry’s work

The new Queensland Government has indicated that it intends to repeal the Act, which would have the effect of ending the Inquiry’s work prior to June 2027.
The Inquiry is awaiting further advice from the Queensland Government regarding the Government’s proposal to repeal the Act.

In the meantime, the Inquiry encourages all individuals, organisations, and government entities who wish to contribute to the Inquiry’s record to share their stories, evidence, research, or existing materials that may be relevant to the Terms of Reference.

The Inquiry acknowledges that significant work has been undertaken by government entities, organisations, and individuals in preparation for the Inquiry and wishes to provide a final opportunity for anyone who wishes for their submission to form part of the Inquiry’s record to ensure that those stories, research, and documents are preserved.

The Inquiry is working with the Queensland State Archives to ensure that the Inquiry’s records are stored appropriately, and that any personally or culturally sensitive information is protected.

Making a submission

Providing a submission or other material to the Inquiry is voluntary.

If you or your organisation wish to provide a submission, the Inquiry invites you to share information relevant to the Inquiry’s Terms of Reference. A copy of the Terms of Reference is available here.

A submission could include, for example, information about:

  • experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of colonisation, including, for example, dispossession of lands, assimilation and protection policies, separation of families, or control over finances and movement;
  • the role of government or faith-based organisations in colonisation;
  • current barriers faced by Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islander people, for example, issues relating to the provision of healthcare or education;
  • stories of resistance, resilience, achievement, and excellence of Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islander people; or
  • recommendations for policy reform.

The Inquiry has re-opened its online submission portal to call for final submissions. To make a submission, please visit the submissions page. 

Alternatively, you can email your submission or material to [email protected]. 

When providing your submission by email, please also include the following information:

  • whether you consent to the Inquiry publishing your submission (either anonymously or not), including whether you would prefer any information to be redacted prior to publication (including for legal or cultural reasons); and
  • if your submission includes names, images, or stories of individuals, where appropriate, whether you have consent to provide that information to the Inquiry and whether it can be published. If you do not have consent, the Inquiry may need to speak with you regarding such information and may need to redact parts of your submission before publication.

Important things to consider when making a submission

There may be some risks involved in sharing your story, for example, if your story includes the following:

  • something which happened to you at work or which you learned about through your employment (e.g. whistleblowing);
  • personally or culturally sensitive information;
  • a past or current court case (criminal or civil);
  • something that is against the law or could lead to criminal charges being brought against you or somebody else;
  • something critical about a person (or their organisation) which may harm their reputation (defamation);
  • information which may be subject to a confidentiality agreement or settlement agreement; or
  • information which may break laws such as secrecy, privacy, or confidentiality provisions that may apply to you.

If you are concerned about legal risks in making a submission, please contact the Inquiry’s legal team at [email protected].

What will happen to your submission

Any submissions, research, or other material received by the Inquiry may be published by the Inquiry (subject to your consent, and any necessary redactions made by the Inquiry). Submissions received will form part of the Inquiry’s record and be preserved by the Queensland State Archives.

Please note that the Inquiry may redact information prior to publication for legal reasons. If you wish to provide confidential information to the Inquiry, please include it in a clearly labelled confidential attachment to the submission.

Support for making a submission

The Inquiry’s Community Participation Support team leads engagement with communities and supports Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples to engage with the Inquiry and prepare submissions. If you would like to contact one of the team, please email [email protected] and a team member will be in touch soon.

If you have any questions regarding this letter, please feel free to contact the Inquiry’s legal team at [email protected].

If you wish to provide a submission, I encourage you to do so as soon as possible. It is important that all Queenslanders have an opportunity to contribute to our record and to preserve the untold stories of Queensland’s history for our future.

Yours sincerely, 

Joshua Creamer

Chairperson

Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry

Acknowledgement

We recognise the many distinct Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples of the lands across Queensland as the first custodians of this land. The Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry will complete the picture of Queensland's history through truth-telling. Our future is one of truth, reflection, healing and respect.