Understanding our shared history
This timeline highlights events that have affected the rights and freedoms of people in Queensland. It recognises progress and harm and reminds us that human rights must be protected, upheld, and never taken for granted.
Acknowledgement
We acknowledge the enduring strength and sovereignty of Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Queensland. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and recognise the deep and ongoing connections First Nations peoples have to land, sea, skies, and culture.
Many of the events in this timeline reflect the systemic injustices experienced by First Nations communities. We honour the resilience of those who have fought – and continue to fight – for justice, truth, and equality.
Note: Some of the language used in this section/s may be considered offensive. Every attempt has been made to ensure cultural sensitivity, however the realities of the historical treatment of First Nations peoples in Queensland mean that some language may offend. Please use appropriate caution when viewing.
Timeline
The timeline has been developed to:
- acknowledge human rights abuses and failings of the past
- recognise events and movements that have advanced human rights
- reinforce the importance of the Human Rights Act 2019
- remind us that these are fragile freedoms.
The lives of all people are enhanced when human rights are respected.
Human rights themes
Each event in the timeline is tagged with an icon representing one of the following themes:
Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples
The fight for equality
Life and health
Civil liberties
Children and families
Prisons and institutions
These themes reflect the consistent patterns that emerged during the timeline’s development.
Explore the timeline
The timeline is not a comprehensive historical record. It presents a curated selection of key events – many involving the State – that have significantly affected the human rights of people in Queensland.