A formal ceremony in Brisbane has marked the start of Queensland’s first truth-telling inquiry.
Three days of public hearings this week will examine the impacts of colonisation on First Nations communities.
It’s hoped the truth-telling inquiry will “educate and build understanding about First Nations history and culture in Queensland.”
The inquiry is the second of its kind after the Victorian Government launched the Yoorrook Justice Commission in 2021.
Inquiry
Last year, Queensland passed its Path to Treaty legislation, outlining a framework for the Government to launch formal truth-telling processes.
This includes the Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry, to seek evidence about the effects of colonisation in the state.
A Ceremonial Hearing on Monday marked one of the first steps in what’s expected to be a three-year process.
Public hearings later in the week are expected to inform the inquiry’s final report, which is due in 2027.
Hearings
First Nations people are invited to share their experiences at the inquiry’s public hearings.
From Wednesday to Friday, the hearings are intended to act as “a public platform to listen to and record stories,” and “uncover the many aspects” of the state’s First Nations history.
The inquiry will be chaired by Joshua Creamer, a Waanyi and Kalkadoon barrister. Creamer said the process will help Queenslanders “listen, share and collect evidence on a scale like never before”.
Creamer said the truth-telling process will start with “first-hand and valuable accounts by Elders” during initial hearings, “before visiting communities across the state over the next three years.”
He acknowledged that elements of the inquiry could deal with “distressing themes,” and that the process “may be both cathartic and traumatic for those who share their stories”.
Creamer emphasised the inquiry was focused on ensuring “trauma-informed” culturally sensitive processes.
Victoria
Queensland’s inquiry comes after Victoria launched Australia’s first truth-telling inquiry in 2021 — The Yoorrook Justice Commission.
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton fronted the inquiry last year. He apologised “unreservedly” for the historic and ongoing harm police have caused First Nations people.
Yoorrook will conclude next year, when it’s expected to hand down recommendations for systemic change.
