The trust of Indigenous people has been lost, advocates say, after laws scrapping a path to treaty process were fast-tracked.
The Queensland government is accused of pushing through the legislation on Thursday without consultation despite vowing to treat Indigenous people with dignity and respect.
Queensland Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry chair Josh Creamer said the state government snuck the bill “through the back door”.
He said he was notified of the laws via email.
“When the premier spoke about decency and respect in terms of shutting down the inquiry, their behaviour today in particular has certainly not demonstrated that,” Mr Creamer said.
“I think the government has lost a lot of trust in the community.
“I also think they would have lost significant trust in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island community.”
Premier David Crisafulli had announced he would axe the path to treaty and truth-telling after winning the October 26 election but indicated it was not a top priority.
“Twelve months ago we made a commitment that we would repeal the legislation so I can’t believe anyone could say they’re blindsided,” he told the ABC.
He said the government can now direct the money provided for the inquiry to drive outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“I look at the money that’s been spent to date. One in two dollars has gone towards lawyers,” he said.
“We’re talking about taking the money and ensuring every single cent is spent on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”
Premier David Crisafulli previously said axing the path to treaty process was not a top priority. Source: AAP / DARREN ENGLAND/AAPIMAGE
However, it is set to be one of the first laws passed by the new government after it was tabled on the 58th Queensland Parliament’s opening sitting day.
Mr Creamer said he tried six times to meet with the government to discuss the premier’s decision to ditch the process.
Instead, he said he received an email notifying him the bill would be introduced on Thursday.
“I would have thought at least, at the very limited basis, a phone call and a meeting,” Mr Creamer said.
“I wasn’t asking for much – just certainty, a timeline, ultimately a decision for them to appeal.
“But not being able to do that, and the way that this has been done today, no forewarning to the inquiry … it’s really disappointing.”
Mr Creamer said the government’s decision would set back its relationship with Indigenous Queenslanders.
“It would be very difficult for the (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) minister … to be able to go out and work in the community given this inquiry has had such support,” he said.
“They’ve taken many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people for granted.”
Opposition Leader Steven Miles backed Mr Creamer.
“He (the premier) said he didn’t want to cause angst – he said he didn’t want to be divisive,” Mr Miles told reporters on Thursday.
“There is no dignity or respect in the way the LNP is handling these very substantive laws.”
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Fiona Simpson said the government’s priority was to deliver better health, housing and education outcomes for Indigenous people.
“Indigenous Queenslanders have been failed over a long period of time and we must take tangible steps now to improve that situation,” she said.
Opposition MPs chanted “shame” at Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie as he introduced the bill on Thursday, with former Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander minister Leeanne Enoch booted from the chamber for interjecting.
“This government is committed to delivering real outcomes and positive and practical change for Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander people living in Queensland,” Mr Bleijie said.
