Statement on Queensland truth telling inquiry

Victoria’s Yoorrook Justice Commission today expressed its support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders after the new Crisafulli Liberal National Party Government reaffirmed its plan to abolish the state’s Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry.

Yoorrook Chair, Professor Eleanor Bourke said, “this decision is devastating to many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Queensland. Our hearts go out to Queensland First Peoples who we know will be feeling grief and despair right now.

“Ultimately the truth will prevail. Governments come and go, but they can’t cancel history. Trying to put a lid on the truth can never suppress it.”

Commissioner Sue-Anne Hunter said truth-telling had been a powerful force for positive change in Victoria.

“Through truth-telling, First Peoples’ stories illuminate paths toward healing, understanding, and a stronger shared future. The Yoorrook Justice Commission’s work in Victoria shows that when we create respectful spaces for truth-telling, we build bridges of understanding that benefit the entire community.”

Ms Hunter said that contrary to what the new Queensland government had said, truth-telling can heal divisions in society.

“Truth-telling is the foundation of genuine healing and reconciliation because it results in a more complete and honest narrative of our shared past and present.”

Chair Bourke said Yoorrook would welcome any opportunity to talk to the Queensland Government about its work and how it might be relevant to that state.