Question Time live: Palaszczuk government to unveil Indigenous treaty path

Hundreds have gathered at state parliament today to celebrate the release of a historic report that sets out the path to a treaty between Queensland and its First Nations people. 

A historic report that sets out the path to a treaty between Queensland and its First Nations people has been released, with hundreds of people descending on parliament to celebrate.

The Palaszczuk government has accepted all 22 recommendations from the Treaty Advancement Committee Report and will establish a First Nations Treaty Institute and a Truth Telling and Healing Inquiry.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said telling the truth about Queensland’s history was an important first step.

“Each generation is given an opportunity to make its mark, this is ours,” she’s expected to tell parliament.

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Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk. Picture: Tertius Pickard

Hundreds of key figures will gather for a special ceremony where traditional dancers from Lockhart River, singer Jem Cassar-Daley, the Yugambeh Youth choir and renowned Aboriginal musician and didgeridoo player David Hudson will perform.

The government will release its response to the committee report on Tuesday, with the Premier to sign a Statement of Commitment.

“This Path to Treaty is a journey, not for the timid, but for those who are courageous to confront our uncomfortable past, the curious who long to find out and live with the truth, and the optimists who dream of the possibilities of a future where we live comfortably with the past, free of blame and rancour,” an excerpt from the statement reads.

The Premier said what Queensland did next would define “our humanity, our sense of fairness, and the legacy we leave our children.”

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Craig Crawford said the Institute – to be led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people – would establish a treaty making framework.

“The treaty making framework is a fundamental aspect as it will guide government and community in the treaty negotiation process,” he said.

“An Independent Interim Body consisting of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders as well as non-Indigenous representatives, will be in place for the next 12 to 18 months as we develop the legislation to establish the First Nations Treaty Institute and Truth Telling and Healing Inquiry.

“Following this, we will establish a formal three-year Truth Telling and Healing Inquiry.”

Treaty Advancement Committee co-chair Jackie Huggins AM said it was important to understand what a treaty was, and why now.

“We want all Queenslanders to walk side-by-side with us on the Path to Treaty, so that we can overcome those huge injustices that still, unfortunately, persist in our society,” she said.