Media Release: Truth-telling and treaty in Tasmania

Reconciliation Tasmania welcomes the Government’s budget commitment to Closing the Gap and
Truth-telling initiatives

Reconciliation Tasmania welcomes the announcement made today by the Hon Jacquie Petrusma MP,
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, of the Tasmanian Government’s funding and ongoing commitment to
Closing the Gap. In particular, Reconciliation Tasmania acknowledges the government’s commitment to
establishing Truth-telling and Healing Commissioners. This initiative represents an important step in
addressing past injustices, as well as encouraging and supporting healing in the journey toward
reconciliation.

Truth-telling must point the way towards a better future, one which upholds the sovereignty of Tasmania’s First Peoples and works towards legal recognition and treaty with the Tasmanian Aboriginal community.

Truth-telling: a keystone of reconciliation
“Truth-telling is not just a process; it’s imperative to acknowledge the dark truth of our shared history,
and so open the door to healing and create pathways for progress to occur. Truth-telling, and
importantly truth-listening, are embedded in every aspect of our work, from educational offerings to our community advocacy.”
Processes of truth-telling and historical acceptance are essential for revisiting and reshaping narratives that underpin a shared understanding of Tasmania’s past and present. Evidence from the Yoorrook Justice Commission (2023) highlights that when non-Aboriginal people engage in truth-telling alongside First Nations communities, it leads to deeper understanding and mutual respect.

“While truth-telling alone cannot guarantee reconciliation, we know that reconciliation
cannot occur without it,” Ms. Cook emphasised.
“It builds bridges where relationships have been fractured and provides the
foundation for a more just and equitable Tasmania.”

A shared commitment to healing and progress
Reconciliation Tasmania has made truth-telling and truth-listening the cornerstones of its strategic
direction. By promoting dialogue, understanding, and recognition, Reconciliation Tasmania works to
support respectful participation in truth-telling through education, guidance, and advocacy. Minister Petrusma’s announcement of funding for Reconciliation Tasmania reflects the government’s
acknowledgment of truth-telling as a vital practice for achieving historical acceptance and community
healing.

“At a community level, truth-telling paves the way for meaningful conversation and healing,”
said Ms Cook.
“At an institutional level, it delivers pathways for addressing systemic injustices. This dual impact is necessary if we are to see a future for Tasmania that is built on unity and mutual understanding.”

Within the overall funding, the allocation of $100,000 per annum for Reconciliation Tasmania over the
next four years signifies a meaningful investment in reconciliation efforts across the state.

“Our team at Reconciliation Tasmania looks forward to collaborating with the Tasmanian Government
and community stakeholders in advancing truth-telling initiatives,” continues Ms. Cook.
“We know there is a strong need for reconciliation, and this support and partnership from the
Government will help us to develop programs of impact, and create traction among the wider
community to progress outcomes which support the aspirations of the Tasmanian Aboriginal
community.”

“These efforts will not only address historical injustices but also pave the way for a stronger, more
inclusive Tasmania. Our work continues to be based on the principles of the 2017 Uluru Statement of
the Heart. We hope that the a commitment to treaty will become more evident for the Tasmanian
government through the truth-telling process”.

MEDIA CONTACT
Pauline Cook – CEO of Reconciliation Tasmania
pauline@rectas.com.au | 0417 873 519