Today’s announcement by the WA Government confirms that Knowmore Legal Service has been chosen to provide free and independent legal advice to members of the Stolen Generations who have received an offer from the WA Stolen Generations Redress Scheme.
“Survivors don’t have to make sense of their offer on their own,” said Margaret Coyne, Acting National Manager, First Nations Engagement, Knowmore.
“Our Perth team understands the importance of cultural safety, local knowledge and taking things at the survivor’s pace. We walk alongside our community to help them understand their rights and options.”
Knowmore acknowledges the vital role of Yokai: Healing our Spirit, Yorgum Healing Services, and the Kimberley Stolen Generations Aboriginal Corporation, who are funded to support survivors through the application process. Each organisation provides practical help, emotional support and cultural guidance as survivors prepare and lodge their claims. Link-Up can also administrative and wellbeing support to applicants of the Scheme.
Knowmore’s role begins once a survivor receives an offer. The service provides free, confidential, and independent legal advice to help survivors understand the offer, consider their options, and understand what the next steps may mean for them and their families. Survivors can also choose to yarn with one of Knowmore’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Advisors.
Gary Oliver, Executive Director, Strategy and First Nations Engagement at Knowmore, said this support aims to give survivors clarity and confidence.
“When an offer arrives, it can bring many different feelings and questions,” Mr Oliver said. “We want our people to feel informed and supported — to have someone who can explain things clearly, with cultural respect and care.”
The WA Stolen Generations Redress Scheme recognises the harm caused when Aboriginal children were removed from their families in Western Australia before 1 July 1972. Eligible survivors may receive a one-off payment of $85,000 and may choose to receive a personal acknowledgement from a WA Government representative.
Aunty Glendra Stubbs, Elder in Residence at Knowmore, said this stage of the Scheme is a time for care, culture and community.
“For many of our mob, receiving an offer can bring old memories to the surface,” Aunty Glendra said. “Knowmore is here to hold space, to listen, and to support survivors in a way that honours their truth, strength and story.”
The ABC and Channel 7 have reported that scammers are targeting survivors of the Stolen Generations Redress Scheme, posing as lawyers or Government officials, demanding upfront fees.
Gary Oliver says, “it’s a very low blow to target people who have suffered through the experiences of our stolen generation. People can be confident that when they seek advice from Knowmore it is free, and it culturally safe.”
Applying for the WA Stolen Generations Redress Scheme is free. No one should be charged for applying. Please call Knowmore if you are unsure.
If you or someone in your family has received an offer from the WA Stolen Generations Redress Scheme, Knowmore can help.
Call 1800 605 762 or visit us at 12 Newcastle Street, Perth WA
All services are available nationally and are free, confidential and independent.
Media contact:
To arrange interviews with Gary Oliver, Executive Director, Strategy and First Nations Engagement or Margaret Coyne, National Manager, First Nations Engagement, please contact:
Barbara Charan
Communications & Fundraising Manager
Knowmore Legal Service
E: Barbara.charan@knowmore.org.au | M: 0432 681 037
Knowmore is a community legal centre that provides free, independent legal advice and trauma informed, culturally safe multidisciplinary support for survivors of child sexual abuse.