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

Online submissions have re-opened to provide the opportunity for all Queenslanders who have not yet had an opportunity to contribute to the Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry’s work to share their story.

The Inquiry recently paused work to seek further information from the Queensland Government, following public comments made by the Premier and correspondence from the Minister about the government’s intention to repeal the Path to Treaty Act 2023 and not continue the Inquiry process. 

Following multiple requests to the Premier and Minister, the Inquiry has received no further information about the future of the Inquiry.

“In the absence of any further information, and to ensure the Inquiry meets its obligations as an independent Inquiry under the Path to Treaty Act, the Inquiry today informed the Minister of works to be continued to ensure the Members will continue to satisfy their obligations under the Act until it has been repealed,” Inquiry Chairperson Mr Joshua Creamer said. 

“From today, online submissions are again open and we welcome submissions from Aboriginal peoples, Torres Strait Islander peoples, and non-Indigenous people, as well as groups, organisations and institutions.” 

Mr Creamer said anyone who wishes to share evidence or materials with the Inquiry is encouraged to come forward and take up this final opportunity for their experience to form part of the Inquiry’s record. 

Submissions are now open.

He said submissions and materials provided to the Inquiry will form part of the Inquiry’s records and will be collected and preserved by the Queensland State Archives.

The Inquiry has contacted government agencies, faith groups, community groups, historical societies and memory institutions requesting that any of those entities who wish to provide further submissions or material to contribute to the Inquiry’s record take advantage of this final opportunity before the Act is repealed.

Activities will be reactivated to promote public awareness of the history of the colonisation of Queensland and its ongoing impacts on Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples, as well as about the culture, histories, language and traditions of Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Consistent with legal advice and the Inquiry’s trauma-aware and healing-informed approach, the workplan does not include truth-telling sessions or hearings, as the Inquiry is unable to commit to providing the necessary ongoing support for staff, individuals and communities in these circumstances. 

The workplan enables the Inquiry to work towards a respectful closure of the Inquiry. It demonstrates effective and respectful use of public resources to deliver outcomes in the interest of all Queenslanders, because the story of Queensland connects us all. 

Mr Creamer stated that it is unprecedented in Queensland for an independent Inquiry to be shut down by a change of government. As the Inquiry navigates this uncertain time, we will continue to seek further information from the Queensland Government about its plans to cease the Inquiry, including how it will support participants and staff employed to assist the Inquiry. 

Lodge a submission here.

Background information

Prior to the Inquiry pausing its workplan it had: 

  • met with community groups from all walks of life to encourage all Queenslanders to take part in this significant and respected Inquiry
  • held a Ceremonial hearing to officially commence the Inquiry, attended by thousands of people in person and online 
  • held a hearing with evidence heard from 7 participants who shared their lived experience, experience of their families and their research work 
  • received submissions from 13 Queensland Government agencies
  • held a government truth-telling session with 7 senior representatives appearing
  • engaged with Community in Cherbourg and Minjerribah/Terrangerri (North Stradbroke Island) and now provided copies of participants personal information and closed out those engagements. 

Timeline of key events 

  • 8 October 2024 – Chairperson wrote to all Queensland Members of Parliament inviting them to meet and discuss the work of the Inquiry.
  • 31 October 2024 – Premier made public statements to the effect that the Inquiry would not be permitted to hold future truth-telling sessions.
  • 1 November 2024 – Premier reiterated comments to the effect that the Inquiry should cease its work.
  • 1 November 2024 – Chairperson wrote to Minister Simpson requesting a meeting.
  • 2 November 2024 – Chairperson wrote to Minister and Premier requesting an urgent meeting. 
  • 4 November 2024 – Chairperson received a response indicating the Queensland Government intends to cease the Inquiry and repeal the Path to Treaty Act 2023
  • 5 November 2024 – Chairperson wrote to Minister to request next steps and timeframes. The Minister scheduled a meeting for 7 November 2024.
  • 7 November 2024 – Chairperson received response from Minister indicating further time was required to seek advice and the meeting of 7 November would be rescheduled.
  • 12 November 2024 – Chairperson followed up with A/Director-General seeking an update.
  • 15 November 2024 – Chairperson wrote to the Minister to request next steps and timeframes and to urgently meet.
  • 22 November 2024 – Chairperson wrote to Minister Simpson to advise of the Inquiry’s obligations under the Act and its workplan.

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.