Acknowledgment of Traditional Custodians
We recognize the paramount significance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the lands we inhabit, where we live, learn, and work.
New Redress Scheme Unveiled
In a historic move, the government of Western Australia has announced a substantial redress scheme for members of the stolen generations, with each eligible individual set to receive $85,000. This initiative is expected to roll out by the end of the month, marking a critical step in the long path towards reconciliation and healing for those affected.
The stolen generations refer to thousands of Aboriginal children forcibly removed from their families under government policies until 1972, leading to profound intergenerational trauma and significant disadvantages within Aboriginal communities.
Historical Context
The recommendation for redress schemes originates from the 1997 'Bringing Them Home' report, which highlighted the injustices faced by Aboriginal families as a result of past governmental actions. While nearly all states and territories have implemented their programs, Western Australia was one of the last to announce such a scheme.
During a Reconciliation breakfast, WA Premier Roger Cook articulated the tragic history, noting, “Decade after shameful decade in Western Australia... more than a third of Aboriginal kids born in WA before 1972 were forcibly removed from their parents, their land, their home.” He underscored the lasting impact of these actions, which have left Aboriginal individuals grappling with questions about their identity, culture, and connection to their heritage.
Financial Details and Comparisons
Cook clarified that, while the redress scheme offers $85,000, it is less than the $100,000 offered in Victoria but exceeds the amounts allocated in New South Wales ($75,000) and South Australia ($30,000). The focus will be on fast-tracking payments to elderly members of the stolen generations, many of whom have been advocating for reparations for decades.
Recognizing Past Wrongs
WA Attorney-General Tony Buti emphasized the scheme as an acknowledgment of historical wrongs, expressing hope that it would contribute meaningfully to the healing process for those affected. However, Cook conceded that no amount of money could ever truly compensate for the trauma experienced by the stolen generations and their families, stating, “No amount of money could ever make up for the experience ... and the ongoing impact on their lives.”
Calls for Action
Advocates, like Healing Foundation chairman Steve Larkin, have pushed for the prioritization of redress schemes in both WA and Queensland, highlighting the urgency, particularly as many survivors are now elderly. The statement by Larkin notes that those who survived their childhoods in institutions are now facing a service system that can trigger past traumas.
Future Steps
Registration for the redress scheme is expected to open later this year, with payments anticipated before the year's end. In an effort to ensure support and sustenance for affected individuals, organizations providing assistance have voiced concerns regarding underfunding, impacting their ability to retain qualified staff and continue their essential work.
For further information about the scheme, individuals can visit wa.gov.au/stolen-generations-redress-scheme.
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