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. 

Statement from the Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry Chairperson, Mr Joshua Creamer, following the introduction of legislation to repeal the Path to Treaty Act 2023 and cease the operations of the Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry 

29 November 2024

Legislation was introduced into Queensland Parliament on 28 November 2024 to repeal the Path to Treaty Act (2023), abolish the Inquiry and remove the Members from office. Royal assent was granted on 29 November 2024.

The Inquiry was established for a 3-year term, but the new Queensland Government has now terminated it after only 5 months. It is unprecedented in Queensland for a government to end an Inquiry in this way.

More recently, when asked about the Inquiry, the Premier stated that he won’t be allowing it to go ahead, “but it will be done with respect and decency”.
That respect and decency was not extended to the Inquiry – the Inquiry did not receive any advance notice of the Bill being introduced, sadly staff, participants and the communities we have engaged with all learned of this outcome from the Parliament live stream or media.

This Bill disregards years of community consultation and First Nations-led processes that led to the Inquiry. 

This outcome is concerning for all Queenslanders.

To stop truth-telling. Put simply - to not allow people to speak about their experiences. 

The story of Queensland connects us all and we should all be concerned about this outcome.

To Elders, Aboriginal peoples, Torres Strait Islander peoples and all Queenslanders – your stories are valued. 

We are profoundly disappointed that the Inquiry is no longer able to support you to share your evidence and create a more accurate record of Queensland’s history.

This is a lost opportunity for the state and a lost opportunity for our generation. 

The Inquiry thanks Queenslanders – Aboriginal peoples, Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous people – for the support and respect you have shown and continue to show for the Inquiry.

We thank the Inquiry team for their dedication and professionalism. The team will now work to an orderly closure of the 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.