The South Australian Government has announced the establishment of a compensation scheme for members of the Stolen Generations, eight years after it was first suggested.
PIAC has advocated for a scheme over many years, most recently in a briefing sent to all SA Members of Parliament in relation to the Stolen Generations (Compensation) Bill 2014 (SA).
In this briefing, PIAC set out its in-principle support for the Bill, recognising the need for urgent action to establish a compensation scheme for members of the Stolen Generations and their descendants. PIAC also raised significant concerns with some aspects of the bill and suggested amendments.
‘This announcement is a significant step towards achieving justice for the Stolen Generations,’ said PIAC CEO, Edward Santow.
‘The Australian Government’s apology was an important step towards reconciliation. It is high time state governments accepted their role in the removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and made reparations.’