- Queensland's Truth, Healing and Reconciliation Taskforce has been extended until the end of 2023.
- The Taskforce ensures the voices of people with lived experience of child sexual abuse are heard
- The extension is due to COVID-19 impacting on their ability to hold public forums.
Queensland's Truth, Healing and Reconciliation Taskforce has been extended until the end of 2023 to allow it to continue to carry out its important work.
COVID-19 disruptions over the last two years impacted the ability of the Taskforce to engage with Forgotten Australians and conduct visits in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
The Taskforce plays a unique role in ensuring the voices of people with lived experience inform the Queensland Government's implementation of the Commonwealth Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
The Taskforce is committed to ensuring enhanced access to the National Redress Scheme for young people and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, through its statewide 'Listening Tour.'
The Taskforce will continue to be led by former Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson AO APM who will be supported by seven current members and two new members, Teena Ingram and Patricia Thompson AM.
Quote attributed to Minister for Children, Leanne Linard MP:
"The Taskforce was due to complete its work on 31 December 2022, however its work, particularly its public forums, has been disrupted over the last two years due to the impact of COVID-19," Minster Linard said.
"It is vital that we ensure those with a lived experience are heard and allowed to share their stories and to help guide the State Government's response to the Royal Commission.
"The very essence of the Taskforce's success is through its independence and ability to draw on the experiences, expertise and networks of its members to provide robust advice to the Queensland Government.
"The extension to 31 December 2023 will allow the Taskforce to continue the 'Listening Tour' and engagement and consultation with key cohorts impacted by child sexual abuse. This will include young people who have been in out-of-home care and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities."
"I'd like to thank Bob and the current members for their outstanding work in ensuring those with lived experience are heard and I welcome the new members Teena and Pat. I'd also like to acknowledge the work of the two retiring members Carly Jacobitz and Yvette Salam and wish them well."
Quote attributed to Bob Atkinson AO APM
"I am very pleased that the work of the Taskforce will continue this year. The Taskforce provides an important avenue for people to share their experiences, and for people with lived experience to communicate their thoughts on improving service delivery."
