Close the Gap and truth telling: In Queensland 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works to be continued to ensure the Members will continue to satisfy their obligations under the Act until it has been repealed,” Inquiry Chairperson Mr Joshua Creamer said.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or material to contribute to the Inquiry’s record take advantage of this final opportunity before the Act is repealed.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.
truth-telling-qld.com.au/sta…