Indigenous community to 'tell our truth' at inquiry

Opposition Leader David Crisafulli pledged to scrap Queensland's Indigenous truth-telling inquiry. (Russell Freeman/AAP PHOTOS)

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will continue to tell their truth regardless of which political party wins Queensland's election, the mayor of an Indigenous community says.

Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council mayor Bruce Simpson said Queensland's truth-telling and healing inquiry will visit the community in November, representing an opportunity to hear the stories of local elders.

"Our truth is everyone's truth, our story is everyone's story," he said.

David Crisafulli has promised to scrap Queensland's Indigenous truth-telling inquiry.

"Cherbourg has the opportunity to finally tell their truth and continue the history of our people."

Opposition Leader David Crisafulli again promised to scrap the truth-telling inquiry if the LNP win the state election on Saturday.

"I saw what happened after the (voice) referendum, I saw the division and I don't want to go down the same path for Queensland," Mr Crisafulli told reporters on Tuesday.

Speaking at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, flanked by walls adorned with Indigenous artworks, Mr Crisafulli said he was focused on the "thing we can control".

"I want to get outcomes for Indigenous Australians," he said.

"I want to unite, not divide. I want to give hope and I want them to be able to realise some dreams where they live as well."

Inquiry chair Joshua Creamer said the inquiry was about unity, not division.

"If you understand history, we have been divided," he said.

"We were separated as a people. This is about bringing us together and actually what do we want for the future."

Mr Creamer said halting the inquiry would mean a "lost opportunity for our generation".

"People want to share their truth, they want to be part of this process," he said.

"It'd be devastating for the community to lose that opportunity."

Mr Simpson said no matter who won the election, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people would continue to tell their truth.

"Our people are resilient," he said.

"We will continue to fight the fight, to tell our story and to tell our truth."

The inquiry will hold a truth-telling session in Cherbourg on November 19.

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store