Chairperson of the Queensland Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry, Joshua Creamer, spoke at the Ceremonial Opening of the Inquiry.
'Truth telling is not about dividing people, and in fact, it should be used as a tool to unite us', Mr Creamer said. 'None of us here today is responsible for what occurred in days gone past. The object of the inquiry is to establish an authoritative public record about the past and its consequences, to enable an honest conversation about the past and what has been done and what we want for the future, and in doing so, to assist in the process of healing.'
Mr Creamer said the Inquiry's task was to understand the impacts of colonisation on First Nations peoples. It had to ensure that 'a deeper understanding of that history [was] shared among Queenslanders in an effort to foster reconciliation'.
There were more than 200 000 items in the Queensland State Archives to be reviewed, and 4000 artefacts which may be relevant. Other information sources were the State Library, the Queensland Museum, universities, historical societies and family records.
Mr Creamer's speech was reported by Sally Crosswell and appeared on the Queensland Law Society's Proctor website.
The Inquiry will gather evidence on the impacts of colonisation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It will ensure people can share their stories in a trauma informed and culturally appropriate way. Queensland’s records held in Archives, Libraries, Museums, and records held by government and other entities will be examined. The Inquiry will run for at least three years and will make recommendations to the Queensland Government.
Terms of Reference for the Inquiry plus other material relevant to keeping track of its deliberations.
The Liberal-National Party will halt the Inquiry if it wins office at the imminent State election.
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