Qld Premier stands by decision to axe truth-telling inquiry

By SAVANNAH MEACHAM

The nation’s newest State premier has defended the decision to scrap a truth-telling inquiry after legislation was urgently pushed through in a late-night parliamentary session.

Queensland parliament sat until midnight on Thursday during its first formal day of proceedings under the Liberal National government elected last month.

After four hours of debate, it passed amendments to laws including scrapping the path to treaty and truth-telling inquiry and creating a 2032 Olympic venue body to launch a 100-day review.

Premier David Crisafulli defended the decision to axe the truth-telling inquiry after outrage over the rushed legislation changes.

“Twelve months ago we made a commitment that we would repeal the legislation so I can’t believe anyone could say they’re blindsided,” he told the ABC on Friday.

He said the government can now direct the money provided for the inquiry to drive outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

“I look at the money that’s been spent to date. One in two dollars has gone towards lawyers,” he said.

“We’re talking about taking the money and ensuring every single cent is spent on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”

The Labor opposition vehemently opposed the legislative changes on Thursday night with the leader slamming the government for not treating Aboriginal Queenslanders with “dignity or respect”.

“He has caused them angst and division by intention,” Opposition Leader Steven Miles told parliament.

“Just three hours into the new parliament, the premier has completely trashed every established convention, but more than that he has trashed his own word.”

The inquiry’s chair Josh Creamer had criticised the government for a lack of consultation, saying the fast-tracked decision would set back its relationship with the community.

The state government also passed law changes so Workplace Health and Safety permit holders have to provide at least 24 hours’ notice to exercise their right of entry to a workplace.

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said it was to stop CFMEU workers from using “safety as an industrial weapon”.

The government also introduced its Making Queensland Safer laws after putting the controversial “adult crime, adult time” policy as the centrepiece of its election campaign.

It means young offenders could face life sentences for murder and manslaughter or up to 14 years for robbery.

Stakeholders and the opposition will have less than a fortnight to scrutinise the youth crime laws before the state government tries to pass them at the next parliament sitting.

Human rights advocates say evidence shows jailing children as young as 10 makes the community less safe, but the attorney-general defended the laws.

“I acknowledge that the amendments in the bill … are incompatible with human rights,” Attorney-General Deb Frecklington said in a statement of compatibility.

“However, I consider that the current situation with respect to youth crime in Queensland is exceptional.”

Mr Crisafulli said the laws didn’t comply with human rights currently due to overcrowding in detention centres but his government was fixing it.

He added the laws would also protect victims and provide young offenders with early interventions and rehabilitation.

AAP