In a startling turn of events, the future of Queensland’s landmark Indigenous truth-telling and healing inquiry hangs in the balance as the newly elected Liberal National Party (LNP) government prepares to dismantle the body by the end of the year. The inquiry, which began its work just two months ago, aimed to shed light on the historical injustices faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the state and pave the way for reconciliation.
However, the inquiry’s chair, Joshua Creamer, revealed that the new Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Fiona Simpson, abruptly cancelled their first meeting via email, raising concerns about the government’s commitment to the process. The move comes as Premier David Crisafulli announced plans to repeal the legislation underpinning the inquiry, making it one of the first acts of the incoming LNP government.
A Shift in Priorities
The decision to abolish the inquiry marks a significant shift from the LNP’s previous stance. In 2023, all 34 LNP MPs, including Crisafulli, voted in favor of the Path to Treaty Bill, which established the truth-telling process. At the time, Crisafulli expressed hope that the bill could be “a catalyst for materially improving the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in this state.”
“We need to be upfront. We cannot shy away from the real experiences of Indigenous Australians throughout history,” Crisafulli said during the historic sitting in Cairns.
However, the premier’s stance changed in the days following the failed Voice referendum, in which more than 68% of Queenslanders voted “no” – the highest proportion of any state.
Inquiry’s Work Cut Short
The inquiry, which held its first hearings in Brisbane in September, had planned additional sessions in November and December in Cherbourg and Stradbroke Island. According to Creamer, more than 40 participants were preparing to give evidence. The inquiry also intended to hold hearings in Brisbane on youth justice and education to inform advice for the government. However, all these plans were cancelled by the new government in its first week in office.
“Ceasing the inquiry’s work in this way continues 165 years of government failing to listen to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” Creamer said in a press conference outside the Reconciliation Australia conference in Brisbane, where he was prevented from speaking to the 900 attendees.
The inquiry chair also shared that some people had likened the government’s decision to the days of the Chief Protector, when a single person decided what was best for every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person in the state.
Concerns for the Future
The abrupt cancellation of the truth-telling inquiry has raised concerns among Indigenous rights advocates and community leaders. Many fear that the progress made in recent years toward reconciliation and addressing historical injustices may be undone by the new government’s actions.
The inquiry was seen as a crucial step in acknowledging the painful history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Queensland and building a foundation for a more equitable future. Its termination leaves many wondering about the government’s commitment to Indigenous rights and the path forward for reconciliation in the state.
A Call for Dialogue and Understanding
As the future of the truth-telling inquiry remains uncertain, Indigenous leaders and supporters are calling for open dialogue and understanding between the government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. They emphasize the importance of listening to Indigenous voices and working collaboratively to address the legacy of historical injustices and build a more inclusive society.
The coming months will be crucial in determining the fate of the inquiry and the direction of Indigenous rights in Queensland. As the government moves forward with its plans to repeal the legislation, advocates hope that alternative avenues for truth-telling, healing, and reconciliation can be found, ensuring that the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are heard and their experiences acknowledged.
The story of Queensland’s Indigenous truth-telling inquiry serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles for justice and recognition faced by First Nations peoples across Australia. It underscores the need for sustained commitment, open dialogue, and a willingness to confront the painful aspects of the nation’s history in order to forge a path toward genuine reconciliation and a more equitable future for all.
