Territories Stolen Generations Redress Scheme
At the RMA24 conference in Darwin, GPSA had the opportunity to learn about the Territories Stolen Generations Redress Scheme which offers a financial and wellbeing package for Stolen Generations survivors who were removed as children from the Northern Territory, ACT and Jervis Bay Territory. Recognising that our members from all corners of this country may themselves be eligible for this scheme, or have registrars, patients, family members, friends and colleagues who are eligible, we are making this information available to enable you to share, or personally investigate, as you see fit.
Redress
The Scheme seeks to recognise the harm and trauma experienced by Stolen Generations survivors and offers eligible people a:
- redress payment of up to $75,000
- healing assistance payment of $7,000
- Personal Acknowledgement.
A Personal Acknowledgement is an opportunity for a Stolen Generations survivor’s story of removal and the impact it has had on them to be acknowledged in a personalised and genuine way by a senior government person. It can be provided in a face-to-face meeting as a letter, or both.
Eligibility
The National Indigenous Australians Agency decision-maker must be satisfied it is plausible that both of the following criteria are met:
1. The applicant is a person of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent, who is a Stolen Generations survivor.
2. The applicant’s removal took place in the:
- Northern Territory, prior to 1 July 1978; or
- Australian Capital Territory, prior to 11 May 1989; or
- Jervis Bay Territory.
Support
Support to submit applications is available through local Link Up services.
Independent legal advice and financial counselling in relation to applications is available through knowmore Legal Service. knowmore has culturally safe, trauma-informed assistance on 1800 566 966 or 1800KNOWMORE. They have male and female Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Advisors available in all their offices.
How to apply
To apply for the Scheme, fill in an Application for redress form:
· download a copy from www.territoriesredress.gov.au/apply
· call the Scheme on 1800 566 111 between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm (Australian Eastern Time), Monday to Friday (excluding Canberra public holidays).
· Email the Scheme on [email protected]
· Write to the Scheme at Reply Paid 83394, Canberra ACT 2601
· Visit your local Link Up service for a copy.
To find out more about the Scheme, visit www.territoriesredress.gov.au email or call 1800 566 111.