Question – Truth Telling and Treaty Update

Questions asked by the Hon Meg Webb MLC in November 2022 and answered by the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs on 23 March 2023  

In relation to the significant Pathway to Truth-Telling and Treaty report, which was tabled in the Parliament on 25 November 2021, can the Government provide a formal annual update detailing:

(1) A formal Government response to each of the Pathway to Truth-Telling and Treaty report’s 24 recommendations;
(2) A timetable by which each of those 24 recommendations are intended to be either partially or wholly delivered; and
(3) Progress on the establishment of an Aboriginal advisory body that is representative of the Tasmanian Aboriginal people which is to, through co-design, work with the Government to establish identified processes, as announced by former Premier the Honourable Mr Peter Gutwein on 1 March 2022?

Answer 1: Following the release of the Pathway to Truth-telling and Treaty report late last year, the Government asked Tasmanian Aboriginal organisations to provide feedback on the Report’s content recommendations. There were a variety of views, however the feedback did indicate broad support for Truth-telling and Treaty.

After receiving this feedback, and further conversations with Tasmanian Aboriginal people, the former Premier announced in his 2022 State of the State address that the Government would establish an Aboriginal Advisory group to co-design, with Government, a clear and defined process for Truth Telling and Treaty, and consider the other recommendations in the report. The Premier and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs met with Aboriginal representatives from across the state at a Gathering in Launceston and invited nominations for the group.

In December last year, the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs announced the Aboriginal Advisory group members:

• Nick Cameron
• Rodney Dillon
• Gypsy Draven
• Dave mangenner Gough
• Maxine Roughley
• Theresa Sainty

The Advisory group will have its first meeting early this year and will be supported to undertake whatever work it feels is needed, including investigating work underway in other jurisdictions, undertaking research, seeking specialist advice and consulting with Aboriginal people across the State. There is no set timeframe or predetermined outcome for this work – these matters will be determined by the group. Members will be remunerated for their time and costs of participating, consistent with other expert advisory bodies.

Answer 2: See answer to question 1.

Answer 3: See answer to question 1.

See more of Meg’s Questions to Parliament.