August 14, 2020
The State Government is setting up a Treaty Advancement Committee to advance the Path to Treaty process with First Nations Queenslanders.
In February, it received a set of recommendations from the independent Path to Treaty Eminent Panel – chaired by Dr Jackie Huggins AM – investigating the treaty process.
The recommendations followed three months of consultations in 24 Indigenous communities.
“A Treaty Advancement Committee will provide independent advice on the implementation of the panel’s recommendations,” Mrs Palaszczuk said on Thursday.
“It will ensure Queensland is well placed to consider the next steps in the journey to a treaty with First Nations Queenslanders.
“(The) release of the Path to Treaty Statement of Commitment and response to the Eminent Panel recommendations shows our commitment to further treaty conversations with all members of the community – including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traditional owners, elders, leaders and key organisations across the State.”
Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Craig Crawford said the process was about shaping Queensland’s shared future together.
“Establishing a treaty or agreement making process – based on mutual understanding, respect and recognition – with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders will be fundamental to improving life outcomes for the first peoples of this State,” Mr Crawford said.
Environment Minister Leeanne Enoch, a Quandamooka woman, welcomed the move, saying it was a significant and historic step for Queensland.
She said the importance of truth telling and accepting a shared history was critical in progressing meaningful agreement making
Member for Cook, Iamalaig woman Cynthia Lui, said a treaty would empower First Nations Queenslanders to be more involved in driving better outcomes for their communities.
Member for Bundamba, Gubbi Gubbi man Lance McCallum, said he was immensely proud to be walking the first steps on a Path to Treaty and truth telling for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Queensland.
“As the third Indigenous MP to simultaneously hold a seat in Queensland Parliament, my hope is that Queensland’s Path to Treaty will be an historic milestone in our State’s reconciliation journey, and remembered for generations to come,” he said.
- External link: Path To Treaty
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