The National Network of Councils of Social Service (‘the COSS Network’) are urging the Queensland Government to consult carefully and respectfully with First Nations Queenslanders and the Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry.

Less than eight weeks ago, QCOSS CEO Aimee McVeigh was among the thousands of Queenslanders who attended the Ceremonial Hearing, which officially commenced the Inquiry.

“The Inquiry is of historic importance to Queenslanders, giving us a new opportunity to listen, for First Nations Queenslanders to be heard and for all of us to be part of a healing process,” says Ms McVeigh.

ACOSS CEO Cassandra Goldie says the Queensland Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry is part of addressing a national need to give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples a voice, and an opportunity to heal the wrongs of the past.

“Across Australia, the injustices experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples must be effectively acknowledged and redressed in a culturally appropriate way to prevent injustice from happening in the future,” says Ms Goldie.

The Yoorrook Justice Commission is underway in Victoria and is the first formal truth-telling process into historical and ongoing injustices experienced by First Nations Peoples in Victoria.

“The Yoorrook process is providing an opportunity for Victoria’s First Peoples to share their stories and develop an official record of the impacts of colonisation to create a better future for all Victorians,” says VCOSS CEO Juanita Pope.

The COSS Network endorse the overnight comments by Chairperson Joshua Creamer that the closure of the Inquiry is a lost opportunity for Queensland.

We urge Premier David Crisafulli and his government to connect with Chairperson Joshua Creamer and First Nations Peoples to formulate a plan that is respectful to First Nations Peoples, so we do not lose the opportunity to formulate a roadmap toward reconciliation and a better future for all Queenslanders.