Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie last week introduced legislation to parliament to repeal the Path to Treaty Act.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Fiona Simpson said the repeal would immediately cease the activities of the Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry and the First Nations Treaty Institute.
“This legislation delivers on our election commitment to repeal the Path to Treaty Act and wind up the Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry,” Ms Simpson said.
“Our position has been made very clear for more than 12 months after 68 per cent of Queenslanders voted against The Voice referendum, which showed Queenslanders wanted to be united, not divided.
“Our commitment to delivering better health, housing and education outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders has been clear and our Government looks forward to working in partnership with local communities to redirect funding into projects and programs that will be measurable and align with improving the lives of Indigenous Queenslanders.
The latest Queensland Closing the Gap annual report (2023) revealed nine of the 17 targets were not on track, including across housing, education, and health.
Ms Simpson said it remained important to acknowledge the difficult history Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people had faced, while Queenslanders united to turn around outcomes in Indigenous communities today.
“The Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry was never supposed to be a legalistic venture, yet in just four months, $1.45 million was spent on Member remuneration, legal counsel, legal staff, and other legal costs,” Ms Simpson said.
“Forty-eight percent of the total expenditure from its establishment to date was spent on legal costs, which is money that should be invested in local communities, not lawyers in Brisbane.
“We all have an obligation to act now and be open and honest about the realities we are facing as a state.
“It’s a big challenge but I believe that together we can deliver better outcomes for all.”
The Department of Women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Multiculturalism will oversee the closure of the Inquiry and the Institute.
