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. 

The Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry will host a Ceremonial Hearing to formally commence their process of completing the picture of Queensland’s history. 

The Ceremonial Hearing will be followed by the first Truth-telling Hearings. 

 

Ceremonial Hearing

The Inquiry will host a Ceremonial Hearing on Monday 16 September 2024 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre to mark the formal commencement of hearings across the state.

This Ceremonial Hearing will be the symbolic opening of the Inquiry. It will include a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performances, an opening prayer, remarks from the Inquiry Chair and submissions from the counsel assisting.

The Ceremonial Hearing is open to the public to attend in person or view online through the live stream broadcast. 

To register your attendance or to view the live stream broadcast, please register here 

 

Truth-telling Hearings

The Ceremonial Hearing will be followed by a 3-day Truth-telling Hearing held in Meanjin, Brisbane that will capture participant experiences from South-East Queensland (SEQ).

A Truth-telling Hearing is a formal sitting of all five Members of the Inquiry. In a Truth-telling Hearing the Members will hear personal experiences from participants and examine documents and evidence as they inquire into the impact of colonisation on Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The Inquiry team supports participants before hearings to prepare their statements about their experiences.

The hearings are open to the public to attend and listen. 

 

Overview

All events in the below schedule will take place at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre. 

Corner Merivale and Glenelg Streets South Bank, Brisbane (Meanjin) 4101.
Boulevard Room, best entry is via Grey Street.
 

 

Monday 16 September

Tuesday 17 September

Wednesday 18 September

Thursday 19 September

Friday 20 September

All events are open to the general public to attend and listen.

All events will also be live streamed via online live stream broadcast. Live stream link will be available via this website from 16 September 2024.

Through truth-telling hearings and sessions the Inquiry will seek evidence, facts and information about the effects of colonisation in Queensland. This includes things that have happened in the past and things that are happening now. 

More hearings and sessions will occur across the state and details will be shared on the News and events section of our website.  

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.