Queenslanders support Treaty with First Nations peoples

• New study shows most Queenslanders see the benefits and support the pursuit of Treaty with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• More than half of survey non-Indigenous respondents want to learn more about Indigenous culture, heritage and history.
• The study provides evidence that Queenslanders are ready to walk together to true reconciliation.

Three out of four people (77 per cent) think Treaty will benefit all Queenslanders to some extent, exclusive research shows.

Almost two-thirds (64 per cent) of those surveyed about Queensland’s Path to Treaty agree that we need to acknowledge First Nations peoples as the original custodians of Queensland.

And 66 per cent of Queenslanders agree that all Queenslanders should know the truth of First Nations culture and history.

The Palaszczuk Government today (March 25) publicly released the Path to Treaty market and social research 2023 report summary, commissioned by the Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships.

More than 2,320 Queenslanders were surveyed state-wide about their attitudes towards treaty-making, First Nations culture and history. The survey results provide a statistical baseline to inform future engagement throughout Queensland on the Path to Treaty.

The study also shows more needs to be done to promote Treaty and explain truth-telling to engage all Queenslanders on the path to true reconciliation.

One-in-four (26 per cent) of those surveyed had heard of treaty and one-in-five (19 per cent) know what truth telling is.

Of the non-Indigenous respondents surveyed (78 per cent) have an average or lower understanding of First Nations culture and heritage while more than half (54 per cent) expressed a desire to learn more about First Nations culture and heritage.

Quotes attributable to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Craig Crawford:

“It is extremely heartening to see the statewide survey found most Queenslanders see the benefit to Treaty in Queensland.

“It shows Queenslanders have got open hearts and open minds to the treaty process and most agree we acknowledge First Nations people are the original custodians of Queensland.

“Most of us want to know the truth about First Nations culture, heritage and traditions, and we want to learn more.

“But the study also shows we’ve got work to do to promote Treaty.

“It tells us we need to explain Treaty and Truth in bite-sized, digestible chunks of information.

“In my own words, a Treaty is a formal seal of goodwill, a peace pact, a negotiated agreement for a reconciled future.

“We have more than 120 different traditional owner groups in this state, so rather than one treaty, it’ll likely be treaties.

“But Treaty it is not Native Title 2.0. No-one is coming for your home or backyard.

“Truth is simpler. Truth is about unearthing the brutal bones of our frontier wars. Truth is talking openly about our modern-day reality. Truth is about us being courageous and curious.

“Path to Treaty is a chance for us to unite, in equality, and move forward with respect, dignity, and optimism.”

Explainer/fast fact and or further information:

IPS Management Consultants, an independent First Nations-owned business with research and evaluation expertise, conducted the survey and completed the study in March 2023.

Visit: qld.gov.au/treaty for more information.

ENDS

Media contact – Peter Michael 0477 948 091