Queensland Government moves closer to Indigenous treaty
INDIGENOUS AFFAIRS
The Queensland Government yesterday started the journey towards negotiated treaties with First Nations Queenslanders.
The Queensland Government signed a historic joint Statement of Commitment as part of the Tracks to Treaty - Reframing the relationship with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders initiative.
Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, said these are important steps to establishing a treaty between the state government and Aboriaginal And Torres Strait Islander people.
“The Queensland Government commits to taking the next steps in this journey to engage with the community on developing a process for state-wide agreement,” she said.
“Tracks to Treaty marks a monumental reform journey at the local, regional and statewide level in Queensland. It promotes and supports self-determination, truth-telling, local decision making, and better life outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders.
“We believe that a path to treaty will benefit all Queenslanders and help promote reconciliation, foster a shared pride in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and help heal the wounds of the past.”
Member for Cook Cynthia Lui, whose electorate includes the Douglas Shire and who is the first Torres Strait Islander to be elected to parliament, said the Tracks to Treaty are vital steps in getting a state treaty right.
She said moving towards a more collaborative partnership would help to deliver outcomes better suited to each community’s unique needs.
“This is a truly historic moment in that it gives recognition and greater voice to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples right throughout Queensland,” Ms Lui said.
“This launch signifies a positive step in the right direction for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in achieving positive outcomes and meaningful outcomes moving into the future.
“This will give communities – especially communities in my electorate – the opportunity to have a voice on decisions that impact their future.”
An Eminent Panel of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders and Indigenous Queenslanders will provide leadership to deliver on this commitment in the best interests of all Queenslanders.
“These grants have helped re-establish the Olkola people back on country by educating young people that this is their country, and showing them how to care for their country.”
Wuthathi Aboriginal Corporation received $75,000 last financial year to develop and add to a comprehensive Healthy Country Plan.
The plan includes looking after environmentally-significant traditional lands around Shelburne Bay in Cape York.
Wuthathi Aboriginal Corporation director, Christabel Warren, said their Healthy Country Plan helped lay the foundation to continue land and sea management projects and carry out plans to improve infrastructure.
“The funding from Looking after Country Grants allowed us to hold workshops with Traditional Owners and The panel will be co-chaired by Dr Jackie Huggins AM and Michael Lavarch AO.
A Treaty Working Group will lead state-wide consultation and engagement beginning in the second half of 2019, as part of developing the Path to Treaty process.
Mick Gooda, former Chair of the Reparations Taskforce, said Path to Treaty builds on the earlier work of the Reparations Taskforce. He acknowledges the willingness to move forward together with mutual respect, recognition and openness to speak the truth about our shared history.
“The Path to Treaty is about community engagement and ownership at its core, and having that drive our future relationship,” said Mr Gooda.
“It’s about talking to the community and understanding what’s important to them, because a treaty might mean different things for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders and the broader Queensland community.”
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