Survey reveals 77 per cent of Queenslanders see benefit to all in Treaty with First Nations peoples

Joseph Guenzler
Joseph Guenzler Published March 27, 2023 at 4.35pm (AWST)

More than three quarters of Queenslanders believe Treaty will bring benefits to all residents of the state, new research shows.

The Path to Treaty market and social research 2023 report summary, which was commissioned by the Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, was publicly released by the Palaszczuk government over the weekend.

Over 2,320 respondents across Queensland responded to the survey which gauged the attitudes of Queenslanders towards Treaty-making and First Nations culture and history.

The survey results will serve as a statistical reference point to guide future engagements on the Path to Treaty in Queensland.

The findings indicate there is a need for greater promotion of Treaty and a comprehensive explanation of Truth-telling to encourage participation from all Queenslanders in the pursuit of genuine reconciliation.

The results of the survey show that only a quarter of the respondents (26%) had prior knowledge of Treaty-making, and even fewer, one in five respondents (19%), were familiar with the concept of Truth-telling.

It also notes that among the non-Indigenous participants (which accounted for 78% of the total respondents), the average or lower level of understanding of First Nations culture and heritage was prevalent. However, more than half of the non-Indigenous respondents (54%) expressed their willingness to learn more about First Nations culture and heritage.

"It is extremely heartening to see the statewide survey found most Queenslanders see the benefit to Treaty in Queensland," Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister, Craig Crawford, said.

"It shows Queenslanders have got open hearts and open minds to the treaty process and most agree we acknowledge First Nations people are the original custodians of Queensland."

Almost two-thirds of the survey respondents (64%) agree there is a need to recognise First Nations peoples as the original custodians of Queensland.

The survey also found 66% of Queenslanders agreed it is important for all Queenslanders to know the truth about First Nations culture and history.

"In my own words, a Treaty is a formal seal of goodwill, a peace pact, a negotiated agreement for a reconciled future," Mr Crawford said.

"We have more than 120 different traditional owner groups in this state, so rather than one treaty, it'll likely be treaties, But Treaty it is not Native Title 2.0. No-one is coming for your home or backyard.

"Truth is simpler. Truth is about unearthing the brutal bones of our frontier wars. Truth is talking openly about our modern-day reality. Truth is about us being courageous and curious.

"Path to Treaty is a chance for us to unite, in equality, and move forward with respect, dignity, and optimism."

Visit: qld.gov.au/treaty for more information.

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