The majority of Queenslanders support the Path to Treaty with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, according to a new survey.
According to a new study, more than three quarters (77 per cent) of Queensland residents believe a First Nations Treaty will benefit all Queenslanders to some extent.
The Queensland Government publicly released the Path to Treaty market and social research 2023 report summary on March 25. The report was commissioned by the Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships.
Over 2,320 Queenslanders were surveyed across the state about their attitudes towards treaty-making, and First Nations culture and history.
64 per cent of those surveyed regarding Queensland’s Path to Treaty agreed that the government needs to acknowledge First Nations peoples as the original custodians of Queensland.
About two-thirds (66 per cent) of Queenslanders agreed that all Queensland residents should know the truth of First Nations culture and history.
26 per cent of people surveyed had previously heard of treaty, and 19 per cent already knew what truth telling is.
Of the non-Indigenous respondents surveyed, half (54 per cent) had a desire to learn more about First Nations culture and heritage.
The survey’s results come after the Queensland Government signed a Path to Treaty Commitment in August 2022.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Craig Crawford was pleased with the results of the survey.
“It is extremely heartening to see the statewide survey found most Queenslanders see the benefit to Treaty in Queensland,” said Crawford, per the Queensland Government’s media statement.
“It shows Queenslanders have got open hearts and open minds to the treaty process and most agree we acknowledge First Nations people are the original custodians of Queensland.
“Most of us want to know the truth about First Nations culture, heritage and traditions, and we want to learn more.
“But the study also shows we’ve got work to do to promote Treaty.
“It tells us we need to explain Treaty and Truth in bite-sized, digestible chunks of information.
“In my own words, a Treaty is a formal seal of goodwill, a peace pact, a negotiated agreement for a reconciled future.
“We have more than 120 different traditional owner groups in this state, so rather than one treaty, it’ll likely be treaties.
“But Treaty it is not Native Title 2.0. No-one is coming for your home or backyard.
“Truth is simpler. Truth is about unearthing the brutal bones of our frontier wars. Truth is talking openly about our modern-day reality. Truth is about us being courageous and curious.
“Path to Treaty is a chance for us to unite, in equality, and move forward with respect, dignity, and optimism.”
