Premier stands by decision to axe truth-telling inquiry
In a marathon parliamentary sitting, the state government has scrapped a truth-telling inquiry and introduced workplace protections against union intimidation.
Premier David Crisafulli has defended the decision to scrap a truth-telling inquiry after legislation was urgently pushed through in a late-night parliamentary session.
Queensland parliament sat until midnight on Thursday during its first formal day of proceedings under the Liberal National government elected in October.
After four hours of debate, it passed amendments to laws including scrapping the path to treaty and truth-telling inquiry and creating a 2032 Olympic venue body to launch a 100-day review.
Crisafulli said they decided to axe the truth-telling inquiry after outrage over the rushed legislation changes.
“Twelve months ago we made a commitment that we would repeal the legislation so I can’t believe anyone could say they’re blindsided,” he told ABC on Friday.
He said the government can now direct the money provided for the inquiry to drive outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“I look at the money that’s been spent to date. One in two dollars has gone towards lawyers,” he said.
“We’re talking about taking the money and ensuring every single cent is spent on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”
The Labor opposition vehemently opposed the legislative changes on Thursday night with the leader slamming the government for not treating Aboriginal Queenslanders with “dignity or respect”.
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“He has caused them angst and division by intention,” Opposition Leader Steven Miles told parliament.
The Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council Chairman, Matthew Cooke, said they were committed to working with government despite the repeal.
Cooke acknowledged the hurt and disappointment that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people would feel following this decision but said, “if the government is genuine in this, we will work with them.”
“Had the Palaszczuk and Miles Labor Governments been serious about the Path to Treaty, the now-repealed Act would have been enacted as a priority early in their term of office,” he said.
“We can’t now rage at Premier Crisafulli for honouring an election commitment. We will be pragmatic.”
