Protecting Territories Stolen Generations Redress Scheme Payments

Media release - Minister Wyatt

The Morrison Government has today passed legislation that facilitates the operation and implementation of the Territories Stolen Generations Redress Scheme.

The Territories Stolen Generations Redress Scheme (Facilitation) Act 2021 and the Territories Stolen Generations Redress Scheme (Consequential Amendments) Act 2021 will make sure redress payments do not affect access to, or eligibility for, any payment or service provided by the Commonwealth.

Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM MP, said the two pieces of legislation support the Scheme’s principle of doing no further harm.

“The passage of this legislation demonstrates the Morrison Government’s commitment to delivering practical action on a long-standing issue of national importance,” Minister Wyatt said.

“These Acts enable the establishment of the Scheme from 1 March 2022 and will make a real contribution to the healing process for both individuals and the nation.

“They make sure eligible applicants receive the full benefit of their redress payment and safeguards their other Commonwealth payments or benefits.

“The legislation also streamlines the process of verifying an applicant’s identity so engaging with the Scheme is as simple and straightforward as possible.

“This is all to support intergenerational healing and maintains the survivor-focused and trauma-informed approach.

“I’m pleased the legislation has been passed so we can get the Scheme up and running and deliver the positive impacts for the health and wellbeing of Stolen Generations survivors, their families and communities.”

The Territories Stolen Generations Redress Scheme will be open for applications from 1 March 2022 to 28 February 2026 and will operate until 30 June 2026.