The union movement in Queensland has a very proud history of standing with First Nation’s people, supporting campaigns –
- in the 1930s for wage justice for aged care workers on Minjerribah;
- for the 1967 Referendum which amended the Constitution to give the Commonwealth power to make laws for Aboriginal people and include them in the census;
- for the return of stolen wages in the 2000s and 2010s; and
- for the recent Yes campaign seeking Constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as endorsed by the QCU Executive in late 2022 in support of the Uluru Statement, including all aspects of Voice, Treaty and Truth.
Queensland Unions continue to walk with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on a pathway to truth telling and treaty.
Truth-telling is a key part of the Uluru Statement and is a process that is needed to recognise colonial violence, massacres, and atrocities, but also the more contemporary injustices such as Aboriginal deaths in custody and other violence committed against First Nations peoples.
It should also be a process to help recognise the achievements of First Nations peoples in a shared culture of a modern Australia.
The purpose of truth-telling and treaty should also be accompanied by real actions of Governments with communities that address improvement for health, education, skills and training, and jobs for First Nations peoples living in Queensland.
If you want to get more involved and support the truth telling and treaty process in Queensland contact our office and link up with our First Nation’s Committee.
(07) 3010 2555
Level 5, TLC Building, 16 Peel Street, South Brisbane QLD 4101
