Queensland First Nations councils gain direct access to state cabinet through historic accord

Queensland’s 17 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander councils now have a direct channel to the state cabinet; Indigenous leaders say the move could bring more tangible results than the 1992 Mabo land rights decision.

The agreement follows a 2023 federal referendum in which 68 per cent of Queenslanders voted against the proposed Voice of Parliament, leaving Indigenous communities without a constitutionally protected advisory body.

The Indigenous Council Leaders Agreement, signed by the Crisafulli government at the Queensland Local Government Association conference, provides a formal process for First Nations mayors and councilors to advise ministers on pressing issues such as housing, access to water, sewage treatment and job creation.

Deputy Opposition Leader Cameron Dick welcomed the agreement, describing it as a historic step for Queensland’s First Nations communities.

“For the first time, First Nations people will have a direct helpline. They will be able to call their minister, the Prime Minister, speak directly to cabinet and then speak to our parliament to express their views on many issues. We think that’s right,” Mr. Dick said.

He also praised Prime Minister David Crisafulli for changing his stance on consultation with indigenous people.

“We also know that the Prime Minister now sees the error of his ways, that he initially opposed the Voice, that he opposed truth telling and healing. We are pleased that the Prime Minister has changed his position and now supports a real voice for First Nations in Queensland,” he said.

Mr Dick added that the new regulation could be transformative for remote and rural communities and provide First Nations people with a mechanism to have their needs heard directly by government and parliament.

“This could have very positive benefits, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in remote and rural parts of our state,” he said, noting that listening to First Nations people leads to better outcomes not only for their communities but for Queensland as a whole.

Palm Island Mayor Alf Lacey called the agreement “historic.”

“This gives us the opportunity to have a seat at the table, which is really important,” Mr Lacey told the ABC.

“For the first time in our state’s history, we have the opportunity to raise issues that impact all of our communities, find better solutions, and find a better path forward.

“This is not about a Voice, it was never meant to be about a Voice, this is about us and the government coming to the table and ensuring we can create our own story and deliver a better future for our communities.”

The agreement is modeled on a similar agreement signed with 45 regional and rural councils earlier this year.

LNP Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Fiona Simpson said the agreement was designed to cut red tape and deliver practical results.

“The agreement is about consultation; it provides a practical way for people in very remote areas of great disadvantage to consult directly with the government,” Ms Simpson told the ABC.

“We want to work with them to overcome this disadvantage. There needs to be practical ways they can overcome the red tape to gain access to government, so it’s about less bureaucracy, more decision-making and practical results.”

Katter’s Australian Party criticized the deal, saying it ignored the clear outcome of the 2023 Voice referendum, which was rejected by 68 per cent of Queensland voters.

The party said there was no need for additional bureaucratic structures that give some councils more influence than others, and said the government’s move contradicted the people’s decision.

While some Indigenous leaders supported participation, they cautioned against symbolic arrangements and emphasized the need for concrete actions rather than “talks.”

The deal comes amid wider reforms by the Crisafulli government aimed at strengthening councils.

Local Government Minister Ann Leahy said the changes, which include cutting red tape and giving councilors more control over senior appointments, were aimed at helping councils deliver better outcomes for communities.

“We are starting fresh and empowering local governments to serve Queensland communities,” Ms Leahy said.

“Local governments are true and equal partners in delivering the right plan for Queensland’s Future to ensure Queensland moves in the right direction for the benefit of all Queenslanders.”