The Queensland Government's decision to abolish the state's Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry and repeal its Path to Treaty Act marks a major step backwards for First Nations rights, says Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Katie Kiss.
Newly-elected Premier David Crisafulli, who was sworn into office this week, said yesterday he will follow through on his election promise to end the Queensland's truth- telling inquiry, which is underway, and repeal its treaty legislation.
Commissioner Kiss, a proud Kaanju and Biri/Widi woman who grew up in Rockhampton on the lands of the Darumbal People, was previously the Executive Director of the Interim Truth and Treaty Body supporting Queensland's Path to Treaty.
"The decision to scrap the Inquiry, denying our First Nations People a chance to share their stories to help accurately convey our state's history, is extremely disrespectful and harmful," Commissioner Kiss said.
"It is disrespectful to communities, but also to the many people who put in years of work to make this Inquiry happen. This includes the contributions of everyday Queenslanders - Indigenous and non-Indigenous - who provided invaluable input to support truth, justice and healing.
"The inaugural truth-telling hearings of the Commission that occurred in September showed the enormous contribution that this process can make to public understanding of the treatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Queensland, building a basis for dialogue, understanding and compassion. These hearings showed the immense benefits truth-telling has for everyone.
"The Path to Treaty was something our People have long called for. They believe this is what is needed to bring Queenslanders together in a way that fosters unity, understanding, respect, dignity and wellbeing for all. In particular, those Elders who have lived experience of the impacts of colonial policies and practices of the past, and our families and communities who experience the ongoing trauma and effects.
"Now more than ever, we need policies that promote reconciliation and unity - not division and discord. First Nations Queenslanders deserve and need to have their rights upheld and their stories heard."
Commissioner Kiss has written to Premier Crisafulli, urging him to reconsider his decision and offering to work collaboratively with his government to achieve better outcomes for First Nations people in Queensland.
"I am very keen to establish a positive working relationship with the new Queensland Government - supporting it to advance the human rights of First Nations people. Truth-telling about past and ongoing injustice is critical to advancing human rights and building a better future for First Nations people and all Queenslanders. I urge the Premier to reconsider his decision.
"With the absence now of a First Nations member in the new Queensland Government, it is of great importance to include First Nations People in decisions that affect them. That means meeting with us, talking with us and hearing and incorporating our views into decisions that will impact us all."
