The Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships is to establish a new Treaty Advancement Committee to progress the Path to Treaty process with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
Following three months of consultation by an Eminent Panel, Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Government was proud to support the Panel’s recommendation to move forward on a Path to Treaty.
“The Treaty Advancement Committee will provide independent advice on the implementation of the Panel’s recommendations,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“It will ensure Queensland is well placed to consider the next steps in the journey to a treaty with First Nations Queenslanders.”
She said the Government was committed to further treaty conversations with all members of the community, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Traditional Owners, Elders, leaders and key organisations in the State.
Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Craig Crawford said the Government valued the important role of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders as the First Nations people of the State.
“We will right the relationship with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to deliver better economic, employment, health and housing outcomes,” Mr Crawford said.
Minister for Environment and the Great Barrier Reef, Leeanne Enoch said the importance of truth telling and accepting the State’s shared history, even the most uncomfortable aspects of it, was critical in progressing meaningful agreement-making.
“As a proud Quandamooka woman, I know that our journey towards treaty or treaties will require an unwavering commitment to unpacking our past and forging a reconciled path that enables greater equality for First Nations peoples,” Ms Enoch said.
Further information on Queensland’s Path to Treaty can be accessed at this PS News link.
