A Fresh Start for Queensland: Path to Treaty Act repealed as Indigenous communities receive direct funding boost
- Crisafulli Government delivers on election promise to repeal Path to Treaty Act.
- Legislation introduced to Parliament today to wind-up activities of Truth-Telling and Healing Inquiry and First Nations Treaty Institute.
- Funds to be reallocated to boost tangible outcomes in Indigenous communities across key sectors including housing, education, health, and employment.
The Crisafulli Government has introduced legislation to repeal the Path to Treaty Act and announced funds will be reallocated into projects and programs that improve the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Queensland.
The Government's intention to repeal the Path to Treaty Act 2023 was articulated throughout the election campaign and made clear from Opposition following Queensland's overwhelming rejection of The Voice referendum more than a year ago.
Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Fiona Simpson MP, said the repeal would immediately cease the activities of the Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry and the First Nations Treaty Institute.
"This legislation delivers on our election commitment to repeal the Path to Treaty Act and wind up the Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry," Minister Simpson said.
"Our position has been made very clear for more than 12 months after 68% of Queenslanders voted against The Voice referendum, which showed Queenslanders wanted to be united, not divided.
"Our commitment to delivering better health, housing and education outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders has been clear and our Government looks forward to working in partnership with local communities to redirect funding into projects and programs that will be measurable and align with improving the lives of Indigenous Queenslanders.
"Indigenous Queenslanders have been failed over a long period of time and we must take tangible steps now to improve that situation.
"Under Labor, the outcomes for First Nations Queenslanders are lagging behind and we must turn that around to begin closing the gap."
The latest Queensland Closing the Gap annual report (2023) revealed nine of the 17 targets were not on track, including across housing, education, and health.
Minister Simpson said it remained important to acknowledge the difficult history Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people had faced, while Queenslanders united to turn around outcomes in Indigenous communities today.
"The Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry was never supposed to be a legalistic venture, yet in just four months, $1.45 million was spent on Member remuneration, legal counsel, legal staff, and other legal costs," Minister Simpson said.
"Forty-eight percent of the total expenditure from its establishment to date was spent on legal costs, which is money that should be invested in local communities, not lawyers in Brisbane.
"We all have an obligation to act now and be open and honest about the realities we are facing as a state.
"It's a big challenge but I believe that together we can deliver better outcomes for all."
The Department of Women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Multiculturalism will oversee the closure of the Inquiry and the Institute.
All permanent Government staff who had been working within the framework of the Inquiry will return to substantive roles within Government. Non-permanent staff will be supported to find other roles.
