Share your truth | Our Place Action Plan
“Treaty, through truth telling, is not about guilt, but more about honesty. Truth Telling will not be easy for any of us. We will need to confront the positive and negative stories honestly and openly from both sides – First Nations communities and Government. That’s how we will get to treaty-negotiations.”
- Ms Buchanan, Co-Chair, Interim Truth and Treaty Body
We are consulting with First Nations peoples living in Queensland to develop Our Place: A First Nations Housing and Homelessness Action Plan 2024-2027.
First Nations peoples’ lived experiences are central to this conversation, but for many First Nations peoples, experiences with government departments may have resulted in negative experiences and feelings of racism, fear, exclusion or mistrust.
The Our Place consultation acknowledges this and embraces truth-telling and the need for safety and support.
We are committed to truth-telling and healing, and to providing a safe, supported and meaningful process for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to share stories and continue to heal.
Truth-telling
Queensland is on the Path to Treaty, beginning with truth-telling. There will be a formal Truth Telling and Healing Inquiry which will document the effects of colonisation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Queensland led by the Interim Truth and Treaty Body (ITTB). The formal Truth and Healing Inquiry, led by First Nations peoples, will provide a safe, supported and meaningful process to share stories and begin healing.
First Nations peoples are hearing about the Queensland Government’s commitment to truth and healing, and many are ready to bring this truth to light. This consultation process may trigger memories, reactions or emotions.
If there is a truth burning within that relates to Queensland’s housing departments over the years, we ask you to share a description of your experience and, if you wish to do so, your personal details.
With your permission, this information can be shared with the ITTB. It will also help the Queensland Government become ready to support open and transparent truth-telling in Queensland.
Safety and support
If you wish to talk with someone or are worried about someone, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit:
- Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care for information on how to support yourself and others
- Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership and support services in social and emotional wellbeing, mental health and suicide prevention
- Beyond Blue for information on how to take care of yourself and manage your mental health and wellbeing.