December 18, 2015
The State Government’s $21 million stolen wages reparations scheme is now open to receiving applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders whose wages or savings were withheld by previous governments.
Aboriginal Partnerships Minister Curtis Pitt said on Friday it was important to right this historical wrong.
“No amount of money can repair the injustices of the past,” Mr Pitt said.
“For many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders, the control policies of the past continue to have a lasting legacy and impact today.
“Our Reparations Scheme is about acknowledging the historical injustices of the past for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders whose wages and savings were controlled under former government policies.
“In response to community feedback, elderly and seriously ill claimants will be prioritised to ensure their applications are processed swiftly.
“In the spirit of reconciliation, the Queensland Government is committed to ensuring that the current Reparations Scheme strives to provide healing and a sense of closure to this long-standing issue.”
Mr Pitt thanked Chair of the Reparations Taskforce, Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda, and the Taskforce for their consultation with interested parties, community members and key stakeholders.
Payments to previously successful claimants will occur in the coming weeks with”‘top up” payments of:
- $2200 (if born before 1952); or
- $1100 (if born between January 1, 1952 and December 31, 1956)
Previously successful claimants will be posted an official letter in the mail to confirm their details.
Newly eligible claimants will receive a total payment of:
- $9200 (if born before 1952); or
- $4600 (if born between January 1, 1952 and December 31, 1959).
It means, overall, each eligible claimant will receive the same total amount of reparation payments regardless of when they applied.
Mr Pitt said this included payments received under the previous Indigenous Wages and Savings Reparations process and the current Reparations Scheme.
“We have also taken on feedback to open the scheme up to claimants who were born between January 1, 1957, and December 31, 1959, as we now have evidence that people of a younger age group were working under government controls.
“I urge anyone who thinks they may have a claim to submit their application for assessment by December 16, 2016.”
The Reparations Scheme will remain open for three years to ensure that all potential claimants have every opportunity to have their claims investigated thoroughly.
- For more information about the Reparations Scheme – Stolen Wages and Savings and eligibility requirements, free cfall 1800-619-505 or visit www.qld.gov.au/reparations
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