Territories Stolen Generations Redress Scheme A Step Closer

Media release - Minister Wyatt

The Morrison Government is deeply committed to supporting the healing of Stolen Generations survivors and has taken another step on the journey to provide redress for those forcibly removed as children in territories that were administered by the Commonwealth.

The passage of the Territories Stolen Generations Redress Scheme (Facilitation) Act 2021 and the Territories Stolen Generations Redress Scheme (Consequential Amendments) Act 2021 will ensure the Scheme can be established over the next six months and start receiving applications by 1 March 2022.

Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM, MP, said the passage of the Acts will ensure that eligible participants receive the full benefit of their redress payments.

“Today we introduced two pieces of legislation to give effect to key elements of the Scheme and to make sure that all supports going to Stolen Generations survivors are not hampered by other Acts,” Minister Wyatt said.

“This legislation means that survivors receiving the payments can be assured their payments will not be used to repay any Commonwealth debts, and that their eligibility or access to Commonwealth payments, pensions, benefits or services will not be affected.

“With many Stolen Generations survivors being of an advanced age, the imperative to act now has been brought into sharp focus.

“This redress scheme reflects the Morrison Government’s commitment to support our nation’s journey to reconciliation and to support inter-generational healing for the health and wellbeing of Stolen Generations survivors.”

The $378.6 million Territories Stolen Generations Redress Scheme will run for five years and provides financial and wellbeing support in recognition of the harm caused by the forced removal of Stolen Generations survivors from their families in the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory prior to their self-government, and in the Jervis Bay Territory.

For more information on the Scheme and to subscribe to updates, visit the National Indigenous Australians Agency website.