Indigenous Queenslanders urged to have their say on unspent “stolen wages”

Indigenous Queenslanders are being asked to have a say on how the unspent funds from the State Government’s wages and savings reparation offer might best be used.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Warren Pitt said almost $36 million of a $55.4 million fund set aside by the Beattie Government as reparation for wages and savings withheld from Indigenous employees remained unspent.

The fund was a without prejudice offer made in 2002 to Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers who had been financially disadvantaged by previous Queensland administrations’ “Protection Acts” between 1897 and the 1970s.

While $19.6 million has been directly paid in reparations, the government needs to determine the best use for the remaining funds.

Mr Pitt said he had attended a workshop involving members of the Stolen Wages Working Group in late July where possible options for the use of the remaining funds were discussed.

The working group’s predominant view was that the unspent funds be disbursed to previously successful claimants.

It was also acknowledged that recognition was required for all those past and present impacted by the controls on wages and savings, and the continuing consequences of poverty and dysfunction. Accordingly, additional initiatives were supported for a ‘fair deal’ such as educational scholarships and local and oral history projects.

The working group is made up of Elders, reparation claimants and other community members affected by past administrative controls over Indigenous wages and savings.

“The workshop was very productive and helped all involved focus on possible options and to get a clearer picture of what could be done to find the best use for the remaining funds,” Mr Pitt said.

“I made a commitment to the working group that their views would be taken on board, but I also assured them that I would seek the views of the wider Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in Queensland.”

He said Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders would be asked in the coming weeks to express their views on two possible options for the remaining $35.87 million.

One option is the distribution of the full balance to previously successful claimants.

A second option is the distribution of part of the balance to previously successful claimants with the remainder of the balance used for the benefit of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through the establishment of an Indigenous-controlled foundation.

“I urge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders to take this opportunity to have their say on how the remaining reparation money might be allocated,” Mr Pitt said.

“This forms part of the government’s commitment to reconciliation and acknowledges past injustices to Indigenous workers by previous Queensland administrations.”

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders who wish to have their say on the unspent funds can obtain further information from the Department of Communities on 1800 809 097.

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3235 4280