Australias QLD Truth – Telling Inquiry Restarts Citing ‘Very Little’ Communication From GOV.

Ace Breaking News – UPDATE – Queensland’s Truth-Telling and Healing Inquiry has resumed work despite the state government’s plan to scrap it, with the chair describing relations as “frosty”.

Last month Joshua Creamer announced the landmark inquiry would pause its work until further information was available, after Premier David Crisafulli reiterated his promise to shut it down. 

“My strong advice to people running that process is the new government has been very clear that we are not embarking on that process,” Mr Crisafulli told reporters on October 31.

Mr Crisafulli pledged to repeal the Path to Treaty legislation if elected, after a majority voted no in the Voice to Parliament Referendum. 

Queensland’s Truth-Telling and Healing Inquiry has resumed. (ABC News: Curtis Rodda)normal

Speaking on Friday, Mr Creamer said he had made multiple requests for an urgent meeting with either the premier, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Fiona Simpson, or the Director-General since then, but there had been “very little communication except for a proposed meeting that was indefinitely postponed”.

“As it stands the Path to Treaty Act is law and … myself and other members have certain responsibilities, duties, and functions,” he said.

“And given the inability of the government to be able to move swiftly, we’ve decided to recommence the work of the inquiry.”

The inquiry will be limited to online submissions as it is “unable to commit to providing the necessary ongoing support” needed in truth-telling sessions and hearings. 

Mr Creamer said they met with witnesses in Brisbane up to eight times before they gave their evidence.

“They are very expensive processes and, utilising our budget responsibly, it wouldn’t be beneficial to use those resources or expend that type of money in the event that the inquiry has only got a few months to continue,” he said.

Ms Simpson said she wrote to Mr Creamer three days ago, saying she was still waiting on advice. 

“It’s notable Mr Creamer has acknowledged this and despite the legislation not yet being repealed, he has taken steps of his own accord to expedite the development and implementation of the operational plan to close the inquiry,” she said. 

Plan to repeal at ‘appropriate time’ 

At a press conference on the Sunshine Coast, Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the meeting would take place once Ms Simpson was “armed with the information and answers”.

“I’ve got all the confidence that a meeting will take place,” he said.

“The inquiry is asking various questions, the minister is getting the answers, and she wants those answers before she meets with the inquiry chair.”

He said the government would repeal the Path to Treaty legislation at an “appropriate time”.

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the new state government would repeal the Path to Treaty legislation at an “appropriate time”. (ABC News: Lucas Hill)normal

“We want to do things sensibly and look at ways we can better invest into our Indigenous communities across Queensland,” he said.

Mr Creamer said he was aware the government was seeking advice, but said there has been no timeline around when the meeting would be.

“It’s 23 days now. We simply can’t wait around for things to happen. We need to continue to meet our obligations under the Path to Treaty,” he said.

Asked how he would describe relations with the government, Mr Creamer replied: “frosty”.

The online submission portal will be open until at least early January, with the material to form part of the inquiry’s records and collected and preserved by the Queensland State Archives.

Mr Creamer said the inquiry was also planning to produce a report.

At Sterling Publishing & Media Service Agency, we value transparency and accountability. We want to inform you that we are not responsible for any external content, links, or posts. Nonetheless, we are dedicated to providing exceptional services and sincerely appreciate your support. Thank you.