Sydney: A major controversy erupted at a recent national summit hosted by the Australian Human Rights Commission after a statement accusing the Queensland Government, led by Opposition Leader David Crisafulli, of committing "genocide" against Indigenous communities appeared in the summit's official documentation.
The term, considered highly provocative and historically loaded, drew immediate criticism not only from political quarters but also from within the Indigenous community itself. Some of Australia's most respected and experienced Indigenous leaders swiftly intervened, urging the Commission to remove the reference from the official record.
The leaders argued that while there are valid concerns about government policy and its impact on Indigenous Australians—particularly in areas like youth justice, incarceration rates, and community safety—the use of a term like “genocide” was inappropriate and counterproductive to constructive dialogue.
"The focus should be on working collaboratively with governments to address systemic issues, not escalating rhetoric that divides communities and undermines genuine efforts for reform," one senior Indigenous figure said.
Following the intervention, the Human Rights Commission reviewed the statement and agreed to amend the summit's summary documents to exclude the genocide reference. The Commission also reaffirmed its commitment to fostering respectful, inclusive discussions on Indigenous rights and justice.
The incident comes amid growing national debate on Indigenous affairs, particularly following the failure of the Voice to Parliament referendum in 2023 and continued calls for better outcomes in health, education, and justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
While the removal of the term from the official record has been welcomed by many, it also underscores the complex and often divided nature of Indigenous political discourse in Australia.
The Crisafulli government has not issued a formal response but is expected to address the matter in the coming days.
