Truth to be aired in landmark First Nations’ inquiry

An inquiry into the effects of colonisation through the first-hand accounts of First Nations will commence in Brisbane this week, marking the start of a three-year investigation.

Joining Mr Creamer on the inquiry is former Queensland Supreme Court judge Roslyn Atkinson AO, Guwamu woman and publisher and first Queensland Corrective Services Aboriginal Commissioner Cheryl Buchanan, Wiradjuri and Filipino man and first Federal Court Judicial Registrar Indigenous appointment Ivan Ingram and Torres Strait Islander woman and chief executive of the Torres Strait Regional Authority Vonda Malone. Picture supplied

An inquiry into the effects of colonisation through the first-hand accounts of First Nations Queenslanders will commence in Brisbane this week, marking the start of a three-year investigation into the state’s history.

Established under the Path to Treaty Act 2023, the Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry aims to create a more complete historic account of colonisation in Queensland by collating the stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, including descendants of the thousands murdered.

Chaired by Waanyi and Kalkadoon barrister Joshua Creamer, who also led the class action into the Palm Island death in custody and stolen wages cases in Queensland and Western Australia, the inquiry will be conducted independently, with a report to be handed to the government in 2027-28.

Joining Mr Creamer on the inquiry is former Queensland Supreme Court judge Roslyn Atkinson AO, Guwamu woman and publisher and first Queensland Corrective Services Aboriginal Commissioner Cheryl Buchanan, Wiradjuri and Filipino man and first Federal Court Judicial Registrar Indigenous appointment Ivan Ingram and Torres Strait Islander woman and chief executive of the Torres Strait Regional Authority Vonda Malone. Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry Chair Joshua Creamer. Picture supplied

But the inquiry is at risk of being shut down within weeks if the Opposition wins the October election, after the LNP backflipped on its support of the Path To Treaty legislation.

Months after backing the laws in parliament, Opposition Leader David Crisafulli revealed he could “no longer support” Path to Treaty and would repeal them if elected.

All government departments have already been requested to make submissions, with director-generals due to appear before the inquiry next week before the government enters caretaker mode.

Mr Creamer has committed to providing regular updates on the inquiry.

“We don’t want to tell a single version of history, we want everyone to come forward and tell it in a holistic way,” Mr Creamer said.

A “Ceremonial Hearing” will be held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre on Monday followed by public hearings Wednesday to Friday.