The Queensland Government says a key milestone has been achieved on the state’s Path to Treaty, with the Government receiving advice from the Interim Truth and Treaty Body (ITTB) to inform the establishment of the Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry and the First Nations Treaty Institute.
The ITTB was established in 2022 to lead local truth-telling initiatives and provide independent advice to the Queensland Government on establishment of Path to Treaty structures.
The Path to Treaty Act 2023, passed in May 2023, establishes the legislative framework enabling the Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry and the First Nations Treaty Institute. This landmark Act was co-designed with the ITTB.
“I thank and congratulate the ITTB for their work over the past year in ensuring that we hear from the voices of communities across Queensland. These perspectives are vital as we finalise the detailed arrangements for the Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry and the First Nations Treaty Institute,” said Minister for Treaty, Leeanne Enoch.
I particularly want to recognise the co-chairs, Cheryl Buchanan and Sally-Anne Atkinson for their vast body of work, not just in this advice received today but also their critical role in the co-design of the Path to Treaty legislation.
“The ITTB’s advice is another step towards preparing to engage in truth-telling and healing, laying the foundations for future treaty-making in Queensland based on the voices of Queenslanders.”
Since its establishment, the ITTB has played a vital role in progressing Queensland’s Path to Treaty. The ITTB conducted extensive community consultation across Queensland to capture the many voices of Queenslanders as a basis of this advice.
This advice will now help the Queensland Government in shaping the next steps as it continues on the path to treaty, truth-telling and healing.
“The advances that we have made in the past year are truly amazing, with the passing of the Path to Treaty Act 2023 – it brings me so much hope,” said the ITTB’s Ms Buchanan.
“It’s important to recognise the struggle and advocacy of those who came before us and continue the legacy of our Elders and advocates. But it is equally as important to recognise those who are contributing now – community have played an integral role in what we’ve achieved. Collectively, we are ushering in long awaited change for Queensland.”
August 16 signifies the one-year-anniversary of the signing of the Queensland Government’s Path to Treaty Commitment.
For more information about the Interim Truth and Treaty Body, visit: www.truthandtreatyqld.org.au.
