Knowmore Legal Service welcomes the Western Australian Government’s announcement today that it will establish a redress scheme for Stolen Generations survivors in the state.
The announcement comes following National Sorry Day, a time of national reflection and truth-telling about the forced removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families, communities, culture and country.
Knowmore acknowledges the irreparable and ongoing harm caused to Stolen Generations survivors and the intergenerational trauma experienced by their descendants. Redress is an important part of healing for many survivors and their families, and we recognise this step as long overdue.
Knowmore’s Elder in Residence, Aunty Glendra Stubbs said,
“Redress cannot undo the harm that was done, but it can provide recognition, dignity and some measure of justice. It’s my hope that this scheme is shaped by the voices of Stolen Generations survivors, and that no one is left behind.”
Knowmore urges the WA Government to engage in meaningful consultation and co-design with Stolen Generations survivors and their supporters to ensure the redress scheme truly delivers justice and healing to those most impacted.
The co-design of the redress scheme must begin as soon as possible. Many survivors are ageing and cannot afford further delays.
Knowmore calls on the WA Government to ensure that the redress scheme provides equal access to justice and healing for all Stolen Generations survivors and their families, and does not fall short of the benchmark set by the Victorian Stolen Generations Redress Scheme. The WA Government must also ensure that survivors have access to culturally safe legal assistance and multidisciplinary support when considering their redress options.
With the WA Government implementing a redress scheme for Stolen Generations survivors, Queensland will become the only Australian state or territory not to have taken this important step with survivors. We call on the Queensland Government to urgently address this gap, so all survivors and their descendants have access to truth, justice, and healing.
For media inquiries or to arrange interviews, please contact: Knowmore Fundraising & Communications Manager Barbara Charan on
0432 681 037 or media@knowmore.org.au
Knowmore is a community legal centre that provides free, independent legal advice and multidisciplinary support for survivors of child abuse throughout Australia, including in relation to the Territories Stolen Generations Redress Scheme.