Truth and Treaty under discussion on Waiben

The first of many public forums have been held this week specifically for regional centres, including Waiben and Palm Island, to seek community ideas and expectations on two major commitments to fulfil Truth and Treaty in Queensland.

Torres Strait Island Regional Council Mayor Phillemon Mosby said he was pleased to be there.

“It was great to hear first hand from other members of the public about their views expressed what and how treaty making should be done with clans of First Nations people,” he said.

“I was pleased to raise the topic of Regional Governance at the Public Hearing that there needs to be treaty/agreement between State Government and our region in terms of our long standing aspirations for better are better form of governance model.”

The Interim Truth and Treaty Body (ITTB) hosted the meetings to provide background and updates on the establishment of a First Nations Treaty Institute and a Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry –the two fundamental commitments that have been made to progress the Treaty process for Queensland.

ITTB co-chairs Cheryl Buchanan, a proud Guwamu woman from southwest Queensland, and Sallyanne Atkinson AO, said it was important to get the next steps right to set a firm foundation to progress this significant program of work.

“We hope Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous people come to these sessions to make sure communities are informed and all Queenslanders have a say in how we move forward,” Ms Buchanan said.

“Treaty, through truth-telling, is not about guilt, but more about honesty.

“Truth-telling will not be easy for any of us.

“We will need to confront the positive and negative stories honestly and openly from both sides – First Nations communities and Government.

“That’s how we will get to treaty-negotiations.”

The ITTB was tasked with seeking public advice to land on preferred models for the Institute and Inquiry – outlining how they are governed and what the Inquiry should achieve and how it is run.

“The Institute and Inquiry need to be strong from the start and reflect clear expectations of being co-designed but community-led,” Ms Atkinson said.

“We know there is an openness to be informed about Truth and Treaty.

“Although this is not the only chance communities will have to participate, I hope people can make this small commitment and get involved now.”

For more information see www. truthandtreatyqld.org.au

Pics thanks to TSIRC.