By Lani Olafsson, Future Leaders Committee Member
The history of colonisation and the traumatic effects on the indigenous population in Australia is a graphic and heartbreaking one. Though the reality is that details and records of exactly what occurred across the country are scarce. The Uluru statement from the heart was a petition and open invitation in 2017 for substantive recognition of Australia’s history so that we may grow and heal together as a nation. The statement set out three key aspects that would be recommended in recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s connection with the land and the significant history of displacement and injustice. These aspects are Voice, Treaty and Truth.
While the Voice referendum was held last year and was ultimately unsuccessful, the other aspects of Treaty and Truth can still go a long way towards reparations. Much of the detailed history of the impacts of invasion as well as the current experiences of many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples remain unknown to the broader Australian public.
It is in this spirit that the Queensland Truth Telling and Healing inquiry launched on Monday, 16 September 2024, with an inspirational ceremonial hearing. This hearing was live streamed and had people from all over the State travel to attend in person. The historic event included notable speakers from both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, traditional singing and dancing.
The Inquiry was established under the Path to Treaty Act 2023 and is independent of government. Chaired by Mr Joshua Creamer, the inquiry has five members. The remaining members are the Honourable Roslyn Atkinson, Ms Cheryl Buchanan, Mr Ivan Ingram, and Ms Vonda Malone. Both Angus Scott KC and Melia Benn gave speeches of the plan for the Inquiry as Counsel Assisting.
The functions of the Inquiry include to:
- conduct inquiries into and document the individual, familial, cultural and societal impacts and effects of colonisation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by holding truth-telling sessions and hearings and inviting people to give documents and other evidence to the Inquiry;
- conduct research into, and promote community awareness and understanding of the impacts and effects of colonisation on:
- Aboriginal peoples, law and tradition;
- Torres Strait Islander peoples, law and Ailan Kastom; and
- the general public’s shared understanding of the history of Queensland.
- provide advice and make recommendations to the Queensland Government in accordance with the Inquiry’s Terms of Reference.
The Inquiry, while having a formal and legislative basis, will work in a way that is non-adversarial, culturally safe as well as trauma-informed and responsive. The Inquiry has powers akin to a Commission which include requiring government to produce documents and give evidence. This means the full role of government departments, bodies and agencies in colonisation will be within the Inquiry’s scope. While the engagement of private individuals will be on a voluntary basis. All Queenslanders can choose how best to share their history, stories, and experiences. Where requested, the confidentiality of an individual’s information will be respected.
A written report on the Inquiry’s findings will be provided to the Queensland Government and information collected will assist in the treaty making process and be a powerful resource for the future including in developing education and curriculum materials.
The first of the formal hearings commenced on Wednesday, 18 September 2024, and continued until the end of Friday that week. For more information on what came out at these sessions, as well as how you can participate, please visit their website: https://www.truth-telling-qld.com.au/news-and-stories