Premier says nation has spoken, but not in one Voice: Now she’s chasing a treaty
While Australians are not ready for an Indigenous voice to parliament, Queensland is moving towards an Indigenous treaty.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk is seen during Question Time at Queensland Parliament House, in Brisbane, Tuesday, September 12, 2023. (AAP Image/Darren England)
The Indigenous voice referendum was defeated on Saturday, with all states voting the proposal down, including almost 70 per cent of Queensland.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk acknowledged the result, saying “the Australian people have spoken”.
“And their voice tells me they’re not ready. Not yet,” she said in a statement on Monday.
“I respect that. They never get it wrong.”
However, her government will remain on its path to a treaty between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups and the state of Queensland.
Historic laws to help shape future treaty negotiations were passed in May, with Queensland’s colonial past to be examined by a Truth-telling inquiry.
Centrepieces of the Path to Treaty legislation were a five-member Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry as well as a First Nations Treaty Institute to help shape future negotiation processes.
The inquiry is likely to be undertaken over a three-year period.
Ms Palaszczuk said she was confident that all Australians agreed that there was a need to improve the wellbeing of First Nations people.
“We are a generous nation. And we extend our hearts and our hand to all,” she said.
“This wasn’t the right way. I acknowledge the strong feedback.
“But that won’t stop our efforts to bring justice, reconciliation and material improvement to the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”
In a rejigged ministry unveiled in May, Leeanne Enoch – the first Indigenous woman elected to Queensland’s parliament – will work towards a treaty in a new portfolio of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander partnerships.
