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“I understand that some people will be disappointed that we are stopping that process; others will find it refreshing that … [my cabinet] will be held accountable for doing good for First Nations Australians.
“I’ve been in every one of those communities … and I’ve seen the disadvantage, and it hurts, and I’m determined to do something about it.”
Creamer said the inquiry’s terms of reference set out to foster reconciliation.
“The premier seems to be the only person saying it’s divisive,” he said.
“I know that was a line that seemed to be successful with the Voice [referendum] last year, but it’s certainly not a line which is relevant for the purpose of truth-telling.”
The director of the North Stradbroke Island-based Minjerribah Moorgumpin Corporation, Dale Ruska, said the premier’s decision was a “kick up the guts”.
“But, realistically, how many times have our people been kicked up the guts or worse,” he said.
Cherbourg Mayor Bruce Simpson said the decision to halt the inquiry had eroded the trust of his community, which had spent months preparing for the upcoming hearings.
“For [the premier] to say something like that causes more harm to our truth, and more harm to individuals who were institutionalised, abused, put on rations, and not even considered a human being,” he said.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social justice commissioner Katie Kiss.
“It sends a message that the government has failed us again.”
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social justice commissioner Katie Kiss said repealing the Path to Treaty Act would be a major step backwards for First Nations rights.
“The decision to scrap the inquiry, denying our First Nations People a chance to share their stories to help accurately convey our state’s history, is extremely disrespectful and harmful.”
Kiss said she had written to the premier, urging him to reconsider.
The Cherbourg, Stradbroke Island and Doomadgee communities have also called on the government to reconsider.
Ruska said a community information day planned on North Stradbroke Island on Saturday would go ahead without government or inquiry involvement.
“Nothing can stop us from talking about what the truth is and addressing our own needs for healing,” he said.
AAP
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