Analysis: This heartless, destructive decision isn’t what we were promised

The state government’s first act in power was one of political cruelty, free from the decency and respect we were told would be a cornerstone, writes state political editor Hayden Johnson.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli on day one of parliament. Picture Office of the Premier

Without warning, the state government’s first act in power was one of political cruelty, free from the decency and respect Premier David Crisafulli promised.

Repealing Path to Treaty is the government delivering an election commitment, but it was done with the tact of a marching band at a funeral.

It consulted nobody before striking on Thursday with a secret plan to axe treaty and the associated Truth Telling and Healing Inquiry.

The government claimed it was urgent – but couldn’t explain why.

It knew the move would be criticised, so it kept this heartless plan under wraps from the media and parliament until the final moment.

Most jarring was the fact a law – which Mr Crisafulli just 18 months ago labelled “a genuine opportunity for our state to improve the lives of Indigenous Australians” – was repealed as 60 young Indigenous leaders visited parliament to celebrate their future.

Some burst into tears.

The LNP state government offered no compromise in this destruction.

Labor would have attempted to sacrifice treaty to instead save the successful Truth Telling and Healing Inquiry.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Minister Fiona Simpson exchanged letters with inquiry chair Joshua Creamer but couldn’t find half-an-hour in three weeks to meet with him until, staggeringly, Friday morning – 24 hours after treaty was killed.

That cash will now be reallocated to improving the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders, but Ms Simpson can’t yet say how.

An improvement in Closing The Gap now hangs above this minister’s head as the measure of her success or failure.

This stunning abolition of Path to Treaty capped a rowdy day in parliament where both sides adjusted to their new roles.

Labor MPs at times squirmed in their seats, frustrated at the Premier’s non-answers without ability to fire back at the barrage of criticism coming from the government.

“Welcome to Opposition,” Attorney-General Deb Frecklington clapped back.

This is unfamiliar parliamentary territory for Labor.

Once used to dominating the debate, bringing on surprise votes and using underarm questions to knock the LNP out of the park, Opposition Leader Steven Miles and his diminished disciples might now understand the uncomfortable four years ahead.