The Territories Stolen Generations Redress Scheme has received more than 500 applications and provided 247 payments to survivors since it opened on 1 March 2022.
The $378 million Scheme seeks to recognise the harm and trauma experienced by Stolen Generations survivors removed as children from their families or communities in the Northern Territory, the Australian Capital Territory, or the Jervis Bay Territory.
Applications have been received in respect of all three territories and the Scheme will continue to accept applications over the next four years until 28 February 2026.
The Scheme offers survivors a redress payment of up to $75,000, a healing assistance payment of $7,000 and, should they wish, a Personal Acknowledgement.
A Personal Acknowledgement provides the opportunity for survivors to tell their story about removal and the impact it has had on their life, and then receive a personalised acknowledgement from a senior government person.
So far, 84 per cent of eligible applicants have indicated they would like to receive a Personal Acknowledgement.
Family members can also apply on behalf of Stolen Generations members who passed away on or after the Scheme’s announcement on 5 August 2021.
To find out more about the Scheme, including how to apply, visit territoriesredress.gov.au, email help@territoriesredress.gov.au or call 1800 566 111 between 9:00am and 5:00pm (Australian Eastern Time), Monday to Friday (excluding national and Canberra public holidays).
Quotes attributable to Minister Burney:
“This Scheme is so important to recognise that harm was done by the Commonwealth in the removal of children and the Government of today is deeply committed to playing its role in the healing journey of Stolen Generations survivors.
“Reaching more than 500 applications across the three territories is progress, but there is more work to be done to ensure all eligible survivors submit an application before 2026.
“The Scheme operates on the basis of doing no further harm, and there is trauma-aware and healing informed supports available to help Stolen Generations survivors with their applications.”
Quotes attributable to Senator McCarthy:
“This Scheme not only helps those who were wronged, but starts to address some of the intergenerational pain experienced as a result.
“Link-Up services are available in the Northern Territory, including through the Northern Territory Stolen Generations Aboriginal Corporation to help survivors navigate their way through the application process.”
“Family members of survivors can also apply on behalf of Stolen Generations members who have passed and will be provided the same support services.
“This Scheme offers free community-based support services and free independent legal and financial advice to ensure survivors are able to make fully informed decisions throughout the application process.
Quotes attributable to Acting CEO of the Northern Territory Stolen Generations Aboriginal Corporation, Raelene Rosas:
“Link-Up services across the country, like the Northern Territory Stolen Generations Aboriginal Corporation, have been helping people fill out application forms and provide emotional support to applicants and their families.
“We have made good progress to date, and we need to continue with the momentum.
“Working together with NIAA and other organisations, our shared goal is to ensure that all survivors are aware of the Scheme and apply.”