Statements
Stolen Generations Redress Scheme
Brief ministerial statement
Mr Roger Cook (Kwinana—Premier) (1:02 pm): I rise today to inform the Parliament that this morning I proudly stood with Aboriginal elders to announce that the Cook government has committed to a redress scheme for Western Australia's stolen generations. It is my hope that the WA Stolen Generations Redress Scheme will be a meaningful step towards reconciliation.
In 1997, following the tabling of the Bringing Them Home report in the Australian Parliament, the WA government formally apologised to Aboriginal people and communities for the harm caused by these past policies. On behalf of the government, I again say sorry for the separation of families and for the removal of children from culture and country.
The Stolen Generations Redress Scheme is expected to open for registrations in the second half of 2025, with the distribution of payments to commence in late 2025. The scheme will include individual monetary payments of $85,000 per person for living eligible members and a non-individual allocation for healing and other support measures.
I would like to acknowledge the hard work and advocacy of stolen generations organisations that have helped us to reach this point. A vital part of the scheme will involve partnering with these stolen generations organisations to develop additional measures to support ongoing healing and truth-telling initiatives.
No amount of money could ever make up for the experiences of the stolen generation's members and their families and for the ongoing effects on people's lives. These redress payments are an acknowledgement of past injustices. The scheme does not correct what has happened, but it does offer a path forward. I know that elderly members of the stolen generations have waited a long time for this. There is no doubt that it is overdue.
