The decision of the incoming Crisafulli government to stop the Queensland Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry is deeply hurtful and detrimental to the healing process for ageing Stolen Generations survivors, says a national body representing survivors.
‘This decision does not contribute to unity for Stolen Generations survivors, it will add to their pain and suffering,’ said The Healing Foundation’s board chair Professor Steve Larkin.
‘As far as we are aware the premier has not provided any alternative to the inquiry; denying survivors the opportunity to share their stories as part of their individual and community healing is an act of divisiveness in itself.
‘As the national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation that provides a platform to amplify the voices and lived experience of Stolen Generations survivors and their families, The Healing Foundation strongly urges Premier Crisafulli to reconsider his decision.’
Truth is healing
‘Meet with us, and with Stolen Generations survivors to understand why truth telling and healing is important not just for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, but for all Australians,’ said Professor Larkin.
‘For many survivors, speaking their truth is healing, and a chance to get their story on the record and work through their trauma.
‘For true understanding, reconciliation and action to address the needs of survivors, all Australians need to know the truth of our history, and the impact of colonialism on our people,’ he said.
Several Queensland survivors who were forcibly removed from their families recently shared their experiences of physical, mental, and sexual abuse at one of the inquiry’s hearings.
Many survivors have waited decades for this process, and were thankful there was now an opportunity to heal and educate future generations.
‘The effects of Australia’s Stolen Generations policies are not confined to the past, they have been passed down through the generations and continue to echo in myriad ways,’ Professor Larkin said.
Disrupting destructive patterns of history
‘As a country we need to reckon with this past, we must act to disrupt these patterns of history.
‘We need systematic laws and programs that recognise our rights to culture and connection with our families and communities, or we will continue to be defined by “gaps” in socio-economic outcomes.
‘Queensland’s Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry offers great potential to address the critical recommendations still outstanding from the Bringing them home report and support the long journey to justice for Stolen Generations survivors.
‘Glaringly, Queensland is one of two states that have not provided any redress for Stolen Generations survivors. This long-standing failure of successive Queensland governments is an opportunity for the Crisafulli government to show that they are serious about delivering for the people of Queensland.’
At a recent national gathering of Stolen Generations survivors and organisations from across the country, one of the key calls for action was a continuation of the important truth telling process for Stolen Generations survivors.
‘The Queensland Government must provide ongoing support for this independent inquiry. Bipartisanship and long-term commitments are so important to achieving real and lasting change,’ Professor Larkin said.
The Healing Foundation calls on Premier Crisafulli to urgently prioritise options for moving forward to support ageing Stolen Generations survivors, their families and communities.
‘Premier Crisafulli has talked about the importance of “doing good for those who don’t have a voice” in Queensland. This is the time to act to make a real difference to the lives of ageing Stolen Generations survivors,’ said Professor Larkin.
Learn more about The Healing Foundation here.
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