The State Government announced on Tuesday that it will deliver reparations to living members of the Stolen Generations.
The WA Stolen Generation Redress Scheme aims to heal past wrongs, acknowledging the Stolen Generations era as a shameful time in WA’s history which caused sorrow and intergenerational trauma for the Aboriginal community.
Premier Roger Cook said the redress scheme was a “major step in the pursuit of reconciliation”.
“I am pleased to announce that we are delivering a significant redress scheme for living members of the Stolen Generations in Western Australia,” he said.
“The WA Government has long acknowledged the historical injustices and their ongoing impact on the Stolen Generations, their families, and communities.”
In recognition of the harm and trauma caused, Aboriginal individuals removed from their families as children in WA before July 1, 1972, will receive a payment of $85,000.
The Government said it will also work with Aboriginal stakeholder organisations to support communication, scheme roll-out and planning for additional measures to assist in the healing of trauma for the Stolen Generations survivors.
Attorney General, local MP and former Aboriginal Affairs minister Tony Buti said the scheme was important to acknowledge the effect of the Stolen Generations on the Aboriginal community.
“This announcement is a recognition of the wrongs of the past,” he said.
“It marks a significant step in recognising members of Western Australia’s Stolen Generations by providing reparations for surviving members.
“We hope this support can contribute to healing for those impacted.”
The announcement came on the first day of National Reconciliation Week, with applications and payments expected to be available in the second half of this year.
