Queenslanders support Treaty with First Nations peoples

• New study shows most Queenslanders see the benefits and support the pursuit of Treaty with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

• More than half of survey non-Indigenous respondents want to learn more about Indigenous culture, heritage and history.

• The study provides evidence that Queenslanders are ready to walk together to true reconciliation.

Brisbane, 25 March: Three out of four people (77 per cent) think Treaty will benefit all Queenslanders to some extent, exclusive research shows.

Almost two-thirds (64 per cent) of those surveyed about

Queensland’s Path to Treaty agree that we need to acknowledge First Nations peoples as the original custodians of Queensland. And 66 per cent of Queenslanders agree that all Queenslanders should know the truth of First Nations culture and history.

The Palaszczuk Government today (March 25) publicly released the Path to Treaty market and social research 2023 report summary, commissioned by the Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships.

More than 2,320 Queenslanders were surveyed state-wide about their attitudes towards treatymaking, First Nations culture and history. The survey results provide a statistical baseline to inform future engagement throughout Queensland on the Path to Treaty.

The study also shows more needs to be done to promote Treaty and explain truth-telling to engage all Queenslanders on the path to true reconciliation.

One-in-four (26 per cent) of those surveyed had heard of treaty and one-in-five (19 per cent) know what truth telling is.

Of the non-Indigenous respondents surveyed (78 per cent) have an average or lower understanding of First Nations culture and heritage while more than half (54 per cent) expressed a desire to learn more about First Nations culture and heritage.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister

Craig Crawford said: “It is extremely heartening to see the statewide survey found most Queenslanders see the benefit to Treaty in Queensland.

“It shows Queenslanders have got open hearts and open minds to the treaty process and most agree we acknowledge First Nations people are the original custodians of Queensland.

“Most of us want to know the truth about First Nations culture, heritage and traditions, and we want to learn more.

“But the study also shows we’ve got work to do to promote Treaty.

“It tells us we need to explain Treaty and Truth in bite-sized, digestible chunks of information.

“In my own words, a Treaty is a formal seal of goodwill, a peace pact, a negotiated agreement for a reconciled future.

“We have more than 120 different traditional owner groups in this state, so rather than one treaty, it’ll likely be treaties.

“But Treaty it is not Native Title 2.0. No-one is coming for your home or backyard.

“Truth is simpler. Truth is about unearthing the brutal bones of our frontier wars. Truth is talking openly about our modern-day reality. Truth is about us being courageous and curious.

“Path to Treaty is a chance for us to unite, in equality, and move forward with respect, dignity, and optimism.”

Palaszczuk Government to triple the number of beds for Queensland mums experiencing mental health challenges

10 mother and baby beds, including eight public beds and two private beds. The beds will come online over the next month.

• Public patients will also have access to the variety of day programs and parenting support at Catherine’s House.

Brisbane, 23 March: A new centre for parents experiencing mental health conditions like anxiety and depression is set to open thanks to the support of the Palaszczuk Government.

invested $7 million towards the transformation of the old Convent on the Mater site into Catherine’s House, with community donations to the Mater totalling $17 million, making up the rest of the building costs.

Queensland is also committing $11 million dollars in annual operational funding to support the eight public beds.

The beds will support Queensland mums who are experiencing severe perinatal mental health disorders who require admission to an inpatient unit.

• Catherine’s House is a result of a partnership between the Queensland Government and the Mater

• Palaszczuk Government is investing $7 million in capital funding and $11 million annual operation funding.

• Catherine’s House will have

The establishment of Catherine’s House at the Mater in South Brisbane is the result of a partnership between the Queensland Government and Mater to provide 8 public beds to Queensland families suffering acute perinatal mental health issues.

The Palaszczuk Government

Care in a specialist mother and baby mental health unit is the preferred model to support colocation and safety of the mother and baby.

Catherine’s House eight public beds add to the four already located at Lavender Mother Baby Unit at the Gold Coast University

Hospital, which opened in 2017.

Like the Lavender Mother Baby Unit, Catherine’s House will support hundreds of new Queensland families each year through a range of day programs, group and individual treatments, home-visiting services, and emotional well-being support.

Funding for Catherine’s House comes from the Better Care Together Plan released by the Palaszczuk Government last year, with $122 million set aside to deliver mental health support services for new mothers.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D’Ath said: “I’m proud to be part of a government taking real action on addressing mental health issues faced by new mums.

“Evidence shows mothers experiencing acute anxiety and depression are better served by having their babies with them as they receive the treatment they need.

“Catherine’s House will offer expert care in one place for the most serious cases of perinatal mental health issues.

“The facility will be accepting referrals from health professionals across the entire state.

“Hundreds of new Queensland parents will benefit from our investment with access to day programs and other support services on site.

“Last year the Palaszczuk government announced $1.645 billion worth of investment to treat mental health conditions over the next five years, from drug and alcohol addiction to suicide prevention and perinatal support for new mums.”