- The 2023-24 State Budget will provide $4.6 million over five years to Queensland Museum Network (QMN) to support the repatriation of ancestral remains and sacred objects belonging to Queensland’s First Nations peoples and countries.
- The funding boost comes amid a marked increase in the number of remains and significant cultural heritage items in QMN’s care due to public surrender and returns from international and interstate entities.
- The Palaszczuk Government will also invest $1.4 million over four years to support the implementation of a new First Nations Economic Strategy in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The 2023-24 State Budget will support the safe and respectful return of ancestral remains and sacred objects to community and Country and self-determination and economic empowerment for First Nations peoples.
The Queensland Government will provide $4.6 million over five years to support Queensland Museum Network’s (QMN) commitment to First Nations Repatriation.
QMN has been returning remains and secret and sacred objects to community and Country since 1990 and is recognised by the Australian Government as Queensland’s peak body for repatriation.
Over the past three years, QMN has experienced a marked increase in the number of skeletal remains and significant cultural heritage items in its care due to public surrender and returns from international and interstate entities.
The Queensland Government will also invest $1.4 million over four years in the new whole‑of‑government First Nations Economic Strategy, which is being developed following a targeted consultation process with First Nations stakeholders.
The additional investment will ensure the strategy is co-designed and implemented in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities, and representatives in government, industry and business.
These funding announcements help support Queensland’s Path to Treaty, a shared journey towards truth‑telling, healing and treaty for all Queenslanders.
Quotes attributable to Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk:
“The 2023-24 State Budget will enable Queensland Museum Network to continue its work in supporting the safe and respectful repatriation of ancestral remains and sacred objects belonging to Queensland’s First Nations peoples and countries.
“Importantly, additional investment will support the establishment of five identified positions.
“The Queensland Government acknowledges that the practice of taking ancestral remains belonging to First Nations peoples without their consent and without consideration of traditional lore and customs was inappropriate.
“It is a sensitive and complex process and needs to be led by community and aligned with cultural protocols.
Quotes attributable to Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick:
“The Queensland Government is committed to working in partnership with communities to create more economic opportunities and improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Queensland, which will deliver on our commitments to Close the Gap.
“That’s why we’re investing $1.4 million over four years in a new whole-of-government First Nations Economic Strategy, planned for release in 2023-24.
“This will build on outcomes achieved under the Queensland Government’s previous First Nations economic strategy, Moving Ahead.
“It will also align with the Statement of Commitment to a Reframed Relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders and the Queensland Government.”
Quotes attributable to Minister Leeanne Enoch:
“I am exceptionally proud that this State Budget includes $4.6 million over five years to support the return of ancestral remains and secret and sacred objects to community and Country, and ensure these efforts are led by First Nations peoples.
“Repatriation is fundamental to progressing our commitment to Treaty, and our journey to reconciliation, justice and healing. This new relationship will move forward with mutual respect, recognition and a willingness to speak the truth about our shared history.
As we begin the truth telling and healing enquiry in Queensland, the Queensland Museum Network will play an incredibly important role in the safe keeping and repatriation of ancestral remains and secret and sacred objects. This funding will support those efforts and ensure First Nations people lead our approaches.
“The new First Nations Economic Strategy, supported by a $1.4m investment, will provide a holistic, agile and coordinated approach to support self-determination and economic empowerment in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Queensland.
“The strategy will be progressed in a co-designed approach to ensure First Nations peoples and communities are at the forefront in building new pathways to jobs, skills and training, education and business development opportunities in urban, regional and remote areas throughout the state.
“The strategy will also ensure economic development initiatives align with other key reforms being progressed in partnership with First Nations peoples, including Path to Treaty, Local Thriving Communities and Voice to Government, and support Queensland’s progress towards achieving Closing the Gap targets.”
Explainer/fast facts and/or further information:
2023-24 State Budget highlights for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships:
- $4.6 million over five years to support the safe and respectful repatriation of ancestral remains and sacred objects belonging to Queensland’s First Nations peoples and countries through Queensland Museum Network.
- $1.4 million over four years to support a co-designed approach in the implementation of a First Nations Economic Strategy in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
About Queensland Museum Network’s First Nations Repatriation:
- QMN cares for the remains of 833 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ancestors and 445 secret and sacred objects on behalf of communities in a secured facility with restricted access.
- Most were ‘acquired’ between 1788 and 1970, taken without permission or consideration of traditional laws and customs for scientific research, public education and display.
- QMN has been returning remains and secret and sacred objects to community and Country since 1990 and is recognised by the Australian Government as Queensland’s peak body for repatriation.
- In some cases, such as the Torres Strait Islands, repatriation is impossible as Country no longer exists due to the ravages of climate change. In these situations, QMN is considered by community as the safest place for ancestral remains and secret and sacred objects to be housed in perpetuity.
