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. 

Inquiry Chairperson Joshua Creamer said he expected thousands of Queenslanders to attend in-person or via livestream during the Ceremonial Hearing, one of the first steps in a three-year process to understand the impact of colonisation on Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“The Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry is a Queensland-first and I invite everyone to be open to learning more about our state’s history and to approach the Inquiry with respect and curiosity,” Mr Creamer said.

“The Inquiry will help us listen, share and collect evidence on a scale like never before, gaining a more accurate picture of how colonisation has impacted Aboriginal peoples, Torres Strait Islander peoples, and their families and communities.

“Upcoming Inquiry hearings will play a vital role in this three-year process, as we explore deeper, more personal first-hand accounts from our many and varied Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, including some hard truths.

“I invite all Queenslanders who are open to hearing the personal histories and evidence being shared by Elders, historians and community members in coming weeks to attend the initial hearings.
“While you do not need to register for these events, RSVPs are recommended for the Ceremonial Hearing on Monday 16 September via the Inquiry’s website.”

According to the latest Census (ABS), the Brisbane local government area is home to Queensland’s highest number (22,940) of those identifying as Aboriginal peoples or Torres Strait Islander peoples, while more than a third (82,000) of the state’s Indigenous population lives across Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Logan, Gold Coast and Ipswich LGAs*.

“All Queenslanders deserve the chance to be heard, understood and supported, and we’ve all got a responsibility to listen,” Mr Creamer said.
“In Meanjin (Brisbane), we will start Queensland’s truth-telling process, which will include many first-hand and valuable accounts by Elders, before visiting communities across the state over the next three years.

“Through the Inquiry, we hope Queenslanders can better understand the valuable contributions and the unique needs and challenges of Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and the power of acknowledging and embracing these.

“We acknowledge that elements of the Inquiry may be both cathartic and traumatic for those who share their stories as well as their families and communities, as there will be potentially distressing themes.”

The Inquiry is focused on ensuring a trauma-informed culturally sensitive approach including for those attending, so we encourage all watching and listening to be mindful of their own needs.

For more information see Events.

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*Australian Bureau of Statistics (2022) 'Queensland: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population summary', Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: Census, 2021 https://www.abs.gov.au/articles/queensland-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-population-summary, accessed 29 August 2024.

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.