To mark the start of National Reconciliation Week, the Queensland Government has reaffirmed its investment in closing the gap through key projects across health, education, infrastructure, housing, tourism, and community partnerships.
The Government has announced an additional $150,000 for Reconciliation Queensland to support their vital work for a further 12 months.
It also announced an $18 million commitment for urgent water infrastructure upgrades in Woorabinda, where residents have been forced to boil water since December 2024.
Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Fiona Simpson said the State had already written to its Federal counterparts to request matched funding for the project.
“It is shameful that the Woorabinda community is in this position. Clearly their water treatment plant has needed significant investment for some time under the former State Labor government’s watch, but they failed to act,” Minister Simpson said.
“I have written to the new Federal Minister for Environment and Water, Senator Murray Watt, on this critical issue and I’m awaiting his response. I’m hoping Federal Labor MPs will do more than their state-based colleagues ever did.”
National Reconciliation Week is held each year from May 27 to June 3 and commemorates two significant milestones in Australia’s reconciliation journey – the successful 1967 referendum and the 1992 High Court Mabo decision.
Minister Simpson said this year’s theme ‘Bridging Now to Next’ recognises the past but also encourages us to work together towards a brighter future.
“You can’t build a bridge to next without a foundation – clean water, housing and education. These are the foundations to build dignity, quality of life, and real action on reconciliation.”
“The Crisafulli Government is working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to empower home ownership, school attendance, better health outcomes and a brighter future,” she said.
