New Queensland Arts legislation grows recognition of First Nations peoples

Legislation introduced to Queensland Parliament this week will extend the State Government’s commitment to Path to Treaty, growing recognition of First Nations peoples within the state’s leading cultural institutions.

This legislation seeks to modernise the enabling legislation that guides the operation of Queensland Performing Arts Trust, Queensland Art Gallery, Queensland Museum, State Library of Queensland, and Queensland Theatre, in their leadership role in engaging audiences and sharing knowledge, stories and histories of Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The significant amendments include an overarching statement on First Nations and arts and cultures and re-worked guiding principles that define best practice in working with First Nations communities, including the importance of self-determination, cultural and creative rights and principles, which connect with the Human Rights Act 2019.

Importantly, the legislation increases First Nations representation on each Board and includes the establishment of First Nations Committees to provide cultural leadership and governance to the Board including integrating cultural knowledge into their decision making.

The amendments take a position on ‘fake art’ issues which impact First Nations arts communities to improve positive economic outcomes and to enshrine cultural protocols in sharing First Nations stories, an issue of particular importance as we prepare to showcase our unique arts and cultures on the global stage at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

To ensure a First Nations-led approach, the amendments were co-designed with Arts Queensland’s First Nations Arts and Cultures Panel and with First Nations representatives from each of the Statutory Bodies.

The legislation amendments also update the Acts to address governance changes and other key issues that have arisen since the legislation was enacted many decades ago.

These include the addition of external members to sub-committees and, for the QPAT Act, enabling ticket scalping offences to combat the fraudulent reselling of tickets and the potential subsequent impact on ticket holders.

Professor Emeritus Ian O’Connor AC, Board Chair, Queensland Art Gallery/Gallery of Modern Art noted “The Queensland Art Gallery Board of Trustees welcomes the strengthening of First Nations representation in the enabling legislation for the state’s arts statutory bodies.

“We see this modernisation as vital to the organisations’ work elevating the rich cultural practices of Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Queensland. The Board also welcomes governance amendments that will enable Queensland’s major cultural institutions to work more efficiently and flexibly.”

Professor Peter Coaldrake AO, QPAC Board Chair shared “The Queensland Performing Arts Trust welcomes legislative amendments regarding unofficial ticket re-sellers that will increase consumer confidence and protection when purchasing tickets to live performance. 

“The Trust also embraces the amendments that mean an increased focus on sharing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories. This focus supports QPAC’s ongoing commitment to actively invest in and present First Nations stories and to ensure truth-telling is woven throughout its programming.”

Debbie Best, Library Board of Queensland Chairperson added “First Nations perspectives are crucial in ensuring State Library’s collection reflects and represents the diversity of Queensland and Queensland’s shared history.”

Professor Margaret Sheil AO, Queensland Museum Board Chair advised “Queensland Museum is dedicated to honouring the living cultures of First Nations peoples as a vital part of Queensland’s story.

“We are humbled by the trust placed in us as a Keeping Place for First Nations heritage, Ancestral Remains and Secret Sacred objects. The recent amendments to the Queensland Museum Act 1970 reinforce this commitment, which is reflected in our collections, research, exhibitions, programs and repatriation activities.”

Explainer:
The Arts Statutory Bodies are established and operate in accordance with their own enabling legislation. Each body is governed by a board and receives administered funding from the Queensland Government.

These Acts include the Queensland Performing Arts Trust Act 1977, Queensland Art Gallery Act 1987, Libraries Act 1988, Queensland Theatre Company Act 1970 and the Queensland Museum Act 1970.

The amended Acts complement the landmark passing of Treaty legislation and further extend the Queensland Government’s approach to reframing relationships with First Nations peoples and progressing a path to reconciliation and healing.

Image. Credit: Queensland Art Gallery/Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA)