The State’s Path to Treaty has been set into law with the passing of the Path to Treaty Bill that creates the structures to prepare for negotiating a treaty between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the Queensland Government.
Co-designed with the Interim Truth and Treaty Body (ITTB), made up of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders and non-Indigenous members, the Bill received bipartisan support in Parliament.
The ITTB will now work with the Government to establish a First Nations Treaty Institute and a formal Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry.
The inquiry will run over three years and investigate the continuing impacts of colonisation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the State.
Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk described the passing of the legislation as an historic moment.
“All Queenslanders will benefit from a reconciled Queensland, and we are committed to working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples towards reconciliation, truth-telling and healing, and reframing the relationship,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
Her words were echoed by the Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Craig Crawfordwho saidany treaty must be based on truth.
“The Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry will provide a public platform for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Queenslanders to tell their truths,” Mr Crawford said.
“These next steps will build acknowledgment and understanding of our shared history. It will support individuals and communities to heal, and set out a way forward for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the Government to work together towards future treaties.”
