Wednesday, 9 March 2022

Ministers statement: stolen generations reparations scheme

Ms WILLIAMS (Dandenong—Minister for Prevention of Family Violence, Minister for Women, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs) (14:20): I rise to update the house on this government’s commitment to justice for members of the stolen generations here in Victoria. It is an uncomfortable truth but true nonetheless that Aboriginal children were forcibly removed from their families because of decisions made in this place—because of the racist and unjust laws, policies and practices of Victorian governments. We know these practices damaged or destroyed the connection between child, family, culture, community, country and language and that the impacts of these actions are still felt to this very day.

Although the damage caused can never be undone and saying sorry has never been enough, we must ensure that stolen generations members receive the recognition, respect and support that they deserve. This is why last week I joined the Premier, Attorney-General and Ian Hamm, chair of the First Nations Foundation, to launch the stolen generations reparations package. The package will deliver tangible supports for stolen generations members with financial reparations of $100 000, an apology from the state and an opportunity to record and share their story. While no amount of money can ever make up for pulling families apart and taking children away, as Ian Hamm said, the best you can do is bring relief to the journey that is to come, and that is what the package is about.

This package was designed by and for Aboriginal people. The Stolen Generations Reparations Steering Committee, chaired by Ian Hamm, engaged with more than 400 members of Victoria’s stolen generations and their families during the design process for the scheme. I acknowledge and thank the committee for their dedicated, heartfelt and often very difficult work and for sharing their own lived experiences. This package is long overdue, but it is part of the journey we are all on towards truth, treaty and justice, because by reconciling with our past and addressing injustices in our present, we can reach a fairer, more just future for all Victorians.