The National RAP Conference 2024 began in Meanjin (Brisbane) on Wednesday, overshadowed by the Queensland government's recent freezing of the state's Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry.

The Conference, focusing on breaking down barriers to reconciliation and creating long-term change under the theme "Now More Than Ever", offers plenaries and breakout sessions, aiming to equip attendees with knowledge and skills to further reconciliation efforts.

Key topics include truth-telling, regarded as essential for an accurate understanding of Australia's history, recognising the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and acknowledging the long-term effects of colonisation.

At a press conference during the opening day, Queensland's Truth-Telling and Healing Inquiry chairperson, Joshua Creamer, spoke on the government's decision to freeze the Inquiry, and plans to scrap Queensland's Path to Treaty legislation.

"The Inquiry is on hold," Mr Creamer said.

"It's a simple process—let us continue doing our work.

"This is the first time in our history to be able to do this process. The time is now."

Mr Creamer confirmed the Inquiry, which began public hearings and sessions on 1 July, is now paused, with its future pending a meeting with Minister Fiona Simpson.

He called on the state government to recognise the Inquiry's importance, noting the strong support it has received not only from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities but also from many non-Indigenous Queenslanders.

"Ceasing the inquiry's work in this way continues 165 years of government failing to listen to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples," he said.

Despite earlier statements from Premier David Crisafulli about handling these issues with "respect and decency," Mr Creamer said he has not received any direct communication from the Premier regarding the suspension.

"It's disappointing; you'd expect better leadership out of someone who's talking about respect and decency," Mr Creamer said.

The Inquiry chairperson highlighted the impact of the decision on those involved.

"It hurts a lot of people, not just the staff but people across the state," he said.

"My team is anxiously waiting to get out to communities to talk to them face to face about the consequence of this decision."

Reflecting on the broader consequences, Mr Creamer said it appears as if "Voice, Treaty, Truth is dead in Queensland", referring to the three pillars of the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

The National Indigenous Times has contacted Premier Crisafulli's office for comment.