The Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council (QAIHC) has responded to the Queensland Government's decision to repeal the Path to Treaty Act 2023, expressing disappointment while committing to working collaboratively with the government to achieve tangible outcomes for Indigenous communities.
Bailai man and QAIHC chairman, Matthew Cooke, acknowledged the pain many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people would feel following the Act's repeal and the cessation of the Truth-Telling and Healing Inquiry.
"Premier Crisafulli made his intention to repeal the Path to Treaty Act explicitly clear before the 2024 Queensland State Election," Mr Cooke said.
The announcement comes in the wake of a passionate address by Truth-Telling and Healing Inquiry chairperson Joshua Creamer, who called the repeal an "extraordinary act" while criticising the government for failing to demonstrate "respect and decency" in its handling of the decision.
Mr Cooke highlighted the impact of the decision in the context of recent events.
"On the back of the failed Voice referendum, the decision to repeal the Path to Treaty Act will be a bitter pill to swallow for our people," he said.
"Had the Palaszczuk and Miles Labor Governments been serious about the Path to Treaty, the now-repealed Act would have been enacted as a priority early in their term of office."
While recognising the disappointment within Indigenous communities, Mr Cooke advocated for a pragmatic approach to working with the new government.
"If the government is genuine in this, we will work with them," he said.
"Today's decision creates a significant opportunity to work with the Crisafulli Government to achieve real outcomes for Indigenous communities."
The Queensland Government has announced plans to redirect Path to Treaty funding towards pressing issues in Indigenous communities, including housing, education, health, and employment.
This move, according to QAIHC, aligns with their ongoing advocacy for evidence-based programs addressing the social determinants of health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Mr Cooke called for a focus on practical reforms that improve living standards in Indigenous communities and reiterated QAIHC's commitment to treaty, truth-telling, and reconciliation.
"It is not an opportunity we can walk past out of anger and frustration," he said.
The decision to repeal the Act has been met with significant criticism from various sectors, including the Independent Education Union, which condemned the government's actions as "shameful".
Despite this, Mr Cooke stressed the importance of continuing to engage with the government to advance Indigenous well-being.
"There will come a day in our future when governments and ordinary Australians realise the need to engage in meaningful processes that seek to address historical injustices, heal generational trauma, and truly recognise Australia's First Nations peoples," he said.
"I hope that day comes in my lifetime."
QAIHC's commitment to constructive dialogue signals an effort to ensure that redirected funds are effectively utilised to benefit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, even amidst ongoing debates over the decision's broader implications.
