September 18, 2015
Queensland’s Stolen Wages Reparations Scheme Taskforce is calling for public submissions ahead of its inaugural meeting in Cairns on September 24.
Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Curtis Pitt is encouraging interested parties to lodge their submissions.
“We established this $21 million fund to compensate Indigenous Queenslanders who had their wages stolen by previous State Governments,” he said.
“This was a shameful period in Queensland’s history and while we can never erase the hurt caused by past actions, we can seek to rectify past injustice by acknowledging what happened and offering reparations to those affected.”
Many Cherbourg residents had either part or all of their wages withheld from them during this period.
The money was sometimes diverted to government projects or simply disappeared into consolidated revenue.
Mr Pitt said the Taskforce needed to hear from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and others affected by past government control of their wages and savings under the Queensland Protection Acts.
“I want those affected to have their say in how the taskforce will work,” Mr Pitt said.
“It is critical to consult with communities, individuals, families and stakeholders and taskforce member have already begun informal consultations around the regions.”
Social Justice Commissioner and Taskforce Chair Mick Gooda said the Taskforce wanted to hear what affected people think the scheme’s eligibility criteria should be and how they want applications to be assessed.
“Submissions can be made in person or in writing and all feedback will help the Taskforce to decide what recommendations to put to the Minister later this year,” Mr Gooda said.
“People seeking further information should visit the reparations website which includes profiles of Taskforce members, up-to-date information on the scheme and its progress and contact details.
“We are also aware that people affected by past Queensland Government control over wages and savings may now be living interstate and we encourage people to let their family and friends know about the new scheme.”
The State Government has committed up to $21 million over three years to establish the Stolen Wages Reparations Fund.
Written submission should be sent to: Stolen Wages Reparations Taskforce, PO Box 15397, City East, Brisbane, Qld, 4002 or via email
More information is available online or by calling 1800-619-505.
Submissions close on October 30.
- Related article: Gooda To Head Up Stolen Wages Taskforce
