Queensland’s Path to Treaty inquiry to begin on July 1

Queensland’s landmark First Nations truth-telling inquiry will begin within weeks following the confirmation of long-awaited appointments.

• Explained: How Treaty will work

Queensland’s landmark First Nations truth-telling inquiry will begin within weeks following the confirmation of long-awaited treaty appointments.

The Miles government this week formalised legislation to kick off the truth-telling and healing inquiry more than a year after the historic and emotional laws were passed with bipartisan support.

The Courier-Mail can reveal respected barrister Joshua Creamer, a Waanyi and Kalkadoon man with expertise in native title, has been appointed chair of the five-member inquiry with work to begin on July 1.

Barrister Joshua Creamer has been appointed chair of the Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry. Picture: Tim Marsden

Other inquiry members include former Justice of the Supreme Court of Queensland Roslyn Atkinson, co-chair of the truth and treaty body Cheryl Buchanan, Indigenous lawyer Ivan Ingram, and chief executive of the Torres Strait Regional Authority Vonda Malone.

The interim body’s other co-chair Mick Gooda, who voiced frustration at the delays to kickstart the process, does not feature on the inquiry or the treaty council.

Prominent Indigenous leader Mick Gooda. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen

The inquiry will travel the state for three years to investigate incidents or issues that were inflicted on First Nations people to form the basis of the truth behind treaty claims.

It will be the first step in the path towards treaty to ensure any claims are based on facts prosecuted by the inquiry, but it’s understood treaties can run adjacent to the hearings once particular First Nations groups complete their truth-telling.

The First Nations Treaty Institute, an independent statutory body, will also guide truth-telling and healing and inform the next stage of the treaty process in Queensland.

Members of that council include:

• Mr Albert Bowie
• Ms Seleena Blackley
• Professor Valerie Cooms
• Ms Michelle Deshong
• Dr Janine Gertz
• Dr Tracey Harbour
• Associate Professor Phillip Mills OAM
• Professor Cindy Shannon AM
• Mr David Saylor
• Mrs Ivy Trevallion

The Miles government has faced widespread criticism for failing to move ahead with the treaty process, with this week’s proclamation of the laws taking place more than a year after sailing through parliament and leaving the inquiry less than four months of operational time ahead of the state election.

Despite voting in favour of the laws, Opposition Leader David Crisafulli has since withdrawn support for treaty in Queensland and, if LNP forms government, it will be forced to repeal laws in parliament if it wants to follow through and dissolve the process.

Mr Creamer said the establishment of the Truth-Telling and Healing Inquiry was the culmination of years of advocacy from First Nations leaders.

“It will be incredibly important that the community has confidence to share in this process as we work to acknowledge the complete history of the colonisation of Queensland,” he said.

“I know this body of work will change the future in a positive way for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Queensland, and Queensland more broadly.”

Treaty Minister Leeanne Enoch said the process will deliver much-needed outcomes and improvements for the state’s First Nations people.

“The Inquiry and Institute Council members will play a pivotal role in building community understanding of Queensland’s shared history and support the healing process for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, non-Indigenous peoples and communities,” she said.