VACCA welcomes the announcement of the launch of the Victorian Stolen Generations Reparations Scheme today.
In May this year it will be 25 years since the Bringing Them Home Report – which included recommendations that survivors of the Stolen Generation be compensated. It has been two years since the Victorian government announced their commitment to establish this scheme.
According to Adjunct Professor and VACCA CEO Muriel Bamblett, Redress for our Stolen Generations and their descendants is long overdue.
“We have lost many community members who will never be able to receive redress. This step towards justice and healing is for all who have suffered, for those who are no longer with us and their families.”
“As welcome as this scheme is, 25 years waiting for action is too long. I call on the Government to commit to an independent review of the recommendations of the Bringing Them Home report and address their failures to commit to justice and truth telling in a timely way,” she added.
VACCA and Link-Up Victoria have been advocating for a Victorian Reparation Scheme for decades and was a member of the Steering Committee responsible for developing the model announced today.
“I am pleased we could see this through and feel that we have achieved some justice for our people, but it doesn’t end here”, said Bev Murray, Program Manager for Link-Up.
“The Reparations Scheme is an important part of truth telling. It will help community heal for the genocide committed against our peoples with the forced removal, cultural denial and assimilationist policies enacted,” Ms Murray said.
The impact of the Stolen Generations is still felt today with a disproportionate number of Stolen Generations survivors also victims of historical sexual abuse and more likely to be homeless and incarcerated.
“The trauma and suffering is ongoing, and no compensation can ever make up for this, but it will hold government to account and ensure our history is understood, and never forgotten. This Scheme alongside the treaty and Yoorrook process must bring about truth telling, justice and healing for our community.” said Ms Bamblett.
Stolen Generations who are terminally ill will receive immediate financial support, and both Stolen Generations who are currently incarcerated or were adopted will be eligible for the scheme.
VACCA and Link-Up Victoria are committed to supporting the implementation of a fair, just and transparent Scheme.
For all media enquiries contact Nikita Blom, Communications Manager VACCA | 0422 048 352 / E: nikitab@vacca.org
About VACCA
The Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA) is the State’s leading Aboriginal child and family services organisation, and the largest provider of services for Aboriginal family violence and homelessness. We have been supporting children, young people and families in the community for over 40 years, as an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO). Through our vision of self-determination – Live, Experience, and Be – we exist to support culturally strong, safe and thriving Aboriginal communities. We deliver over 70 programs across Victoria including child and family services, family violence, support for stolen generations, child protection, cultural strengthening programs, mental health, financial services, justice and redress support, early years and homelessness services.
About Link-Up
Link-Up Victoria provides support to the Stolen Generations, helping them to find and reunite with family, reconnect to culture, proudly walk their Country and reclaim their Aboriginal identity. Link-Up is the only service in Victoria to provide reunions for the Stolen Generations. These reunions help create connections to family, culture and Country to encourage healing and gives survivors a sense of who they are and where they belong. To access Link-Up Victoria’s services, visit www.linkupvictoria.org.au or call 1800 OUR MOB (687 662)