Treaty and truth-telling in new legislation

• Historic legislation introduced into Parliament formalising Queensland's Path to Treaty.
• The Bill seeks to establish a First Nations Treaty Institute and a formal Truth Telling and Healing Inquiry and amend existing legislation that reflects discriminatory policies of the past.
• The Bill follows the historic signing of the Path to Treaty Commitment on 16 August 2022.

A landmark Bill to establish the treaty structures - a First Nations Treaty Institute and a Truth Telling and Healing Inquiry – was introduced into the Queensland Parliament today (Wednesday, February 22).

The Bill furthers Queensland’s Path to Treaty Commitment made between Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous peoples on 16 August 2022.

Provisions informed by discriminatory practices of the past which are still present in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities (Justice, Land and Other Matters) Act 1984 will also be amended.

Quotes attributable to the Premier:

“Our government is determined to deeply understand our past, to acknowledge the pain and suffering, and to build a better future together.

“Queensland’s Path to Treaty signals an opportunity to walk into a much brighter tomorrow, and this landmark Bill is a crucial next step toward that after the commitment made last year.

“I thank the Interim Truth and Treaty Body for their guidance, including in co‑designing this significant Bill.

“I urge all Queenslanders to find in themselves the courage to finish this unfinished business, the compassion to walk in other people’s shoes and the commitment to make the most of this opportunity.”

Quotes attributable to Minister Crawford:

“The Path to Treaty Bill, a landmark bill for this state, will establish the structures that Queensland needs to progress a treaty or treaties in our state.

“We stand at an incredible moment in time and getting this right is important.

“Through Queensland’s Path to Treaty, we will honour generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who have called for self-determination, truth telling and agreement-making.

“Queensland’s Commitment to a treaty is a collective pledge that is courageous and curious. We will work together in new ways to deliver real change and real outcomes.  This is an honest, open, and collaborative partnership that sets out a path for true reconciliation.”

To learn more about Queensland’s Path to Treaty, visit www.qld.gov.au/treaty.

ENDS

Media contact – Peter Michael 0477 948 091