A path to treaty with First Nations Queenslanders has moved closer, with Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Jackie Trad receiving an independent report recommending the next steps in the journey.
The report by the independent Path to Treaty Eminent Panel, in collaboration with the Treaty Working Group, marks another historic milestone in Queensland's journey towards reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders.
The Eminent Panel formally provided recommendations to the Queensland Government on how to move forward on the Path to Treaty, reflecting feedback from a statewide consultation process that visited 24 communities and engaged more than 1,700 Queenslanders.
The Deputy Premier said she was honoured to receive the report on behalf of the Queensland Government.
"Path to Treaty is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reconcile our past in the spirit of truth telling so we can move towards a shared future that will benefit all Queenslanders," Ms Trad said.
"This report, and the recommendations it contains, represent another of the first significant steps towards that shared future.
"I want to thank members from the Eminent Panel and the Treaty Working Group for their hard work in undertaking what has been an incredibly ambitious program of consultation.
"I also want to thank those Queenslanders who engaged in this process in the true spirit of reconciliation and commit to engaging with all Queenslanders on this path to reframing the relationship with First Nations Queenslanders.
"The Queensland Government will consider the recommendations in the report and provide a response on the next steps over the coming months."
Eminent Panel Co-Chair Dr Jackie Huggins said there was broad support for incorporating a framework for truth-telling as part of Queensland's Path to Treaty.
"Truth-telling is about acknowledging the history of our country and it is a vital component to moving on," Dr Huggins said.
"Truth-telling is about us all having a conversation about what has happened to our families, to our communities, and to us as the people we are today — the unpalatable truths of our history.
"Hopefully with treaty in Queensland, we can face the truth head on and come to terms with the injustices First Nations' peoples experienced in the past, as well as addressing the ongoing disadvantage First Nations' peoples still experience today."
Eminent Panel Co-Chair Professor Michael Lavarch said the panel's recommendations focused on continuing the treaty process.
"While we have made significant inroads on the path to treaty through the statewide consultation, we acknowledge this is the beginning of lengthy process — but it is one that will benefit all Queenslanders," Professor Lavarch said.
"A treaty is only signed when all parties agree and to get to that point we know it will take lots of talking, listening, and negotiating.
"Our recommendations account for how the government can facilitate the path to treaty — now and into the future."
To learn more about Queensland's Path to Treaty visit www.datsip.qld.gov.au/treaty.
