Premier to unveil major land handback in historic Torres visit
Premier Palaszczuk’s Cabinet, for the first time, will head to the Torres Strait this week ahead of a major land handover announcement from Pajinka. See what else is on the agenda.
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PREMIER Annastacia Palaszczuk’s Cabinet, for the first time, will head to the Torres Strait this week to hear issues first-hand from island and Cape York people ahead of a major land handover announcement from Pajinka.
Most members of parliament have arrived at the Torres Strait administrative centre in preparation of a Community Cabinet meeting to be held on Thursday Island on Tuesday.
Ministers are expected to visit outlying islands and Cape communities during a two-day visit to discuss issues relating to Path to Treaty, justice, health, native title, housing and the environment.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said people of the Torres Strait Islands and Cape York were an important part of Queensland’s fabric.
“And we want to hear directly from them,” she said.
“Enriched by First Nations history and culture, there are 18 inhabited islands out of nearly 300 scattered over 48,000 square kilometres from the tip of Cape York up to the border of our nearest neighbour Papua New Guinea.
“This is a great opportunity for the community and local government leaders to share ideas, priorities, challenges and opportunities.”
Torres Strait Islander leaders, almost a fortnight ago, released the four-point plan known as the Masig Statement, which calls for regional sovereignty in the Torres Strait by August 2037.
On Monday Ms Palaszczuk with Health Minister Yvette D’Ath and Cook MP Cynthia Lui will inspect progress on the construction of the Thursday Island Hospital redevelopment.
The Premier is also expected to visit Tagai State College and observe the You for 2032 Olympic 2031 Talent Identification Program.
And on Wednesday the Ms Palaszczuk will officiate a significant land handback to the Gudang/Yadhaykenu, Atambaya and Angkamithi people at the nation’s most northern point, Pajinka.
“Our Path to Treaty is about a truthful shared history,” the Premier said.
“The land handback we’re expecting to make is an important part of that journey.”
Cook MP Cynthia Lui welcomed the opportunity for locals to meet directly with members of the Cabinet about local issues.
“Importantly, there will be an opportunity for locals and interested groups to register for deputations with Ministers,” Ms Lui said.
The Torres Strait trip comes just weeks after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited the area to discuss a referendum on the voice to parliament.
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