FIRST NATIONS
Wominjeka (Welcome) Victorian government implements a redress scheme for stolen generation
The Victorian State government has announced a landmark Stolen Generation Redress scheme to address the trauma and suffering caused by the forced removal of Aboriginal children from their families.
many Aboriginal children from their families, creating what is today referred to as the ‘Stolen Generation’. In 2018, a survey found many Stolen Generation members still suffer health, social and economic disadvantage, with up to 70 per cent relying on welfare and more than half living with disability or a chronic health condition.
Announced by Premier Daniel Andrews, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Gavin Jennings, in March, the scheme will see $10 million invested towards a range of redress options.
Such a scheme was one of the key items raised at the first meeting of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, which was set up by the Andrews Labor Government to negotiate a framework for treaty.
“This is about delivering members of the Stolen Generation the recognition, respect and support they deserve; and acknowledging how deeply damaging this policy was for so many,” Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Gavin Jennings said.
The consultation process will begin this year, with the scheme to begin in 2021.
Premier Daniel Andrews recognised the scope of the redress. “We say sorry, but the words are not enough – redress is about tangible support for people who are still suffering, many years on from this horrific policy.”
The current government is supportive of self-determination, and is putting Aboriginal Victorians at the centre of decision-making, ensuring that they have control of their own lives and their own futures. The Scheme will exist alongside other initiatives supporting Stolen Generation members like Connecting Home Limited and the Koorie Family History Service.
“Despite the wrongs done to them, Aboriginal children, families and communities remain strong in their cultural heritage and identity – and we will be guided by their voices as we take action to right these wrongs.”
“We can’t change the past, but this will make an enormous difference to the lives of so many Aboriginal Victorians who were so badly treated by their state and nation,” says Attorney General Jill Hennessey.
Redress options will include counselling support, payments, and funeral or memorial funds. The funding may also go towards assisting survivors in tell their stories and in ensuring that they are supported in making redress applications.
Find out more about the redress scheme at: www. premier.vic.gov.au/righting-past-wrongs-withstolen-generations-redress/
Acting under past state laws, Victorian authorities previously forcibly removed 25
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