Greens introduce Stolen Generations Reparations Bill

 
The Australian Greens will today introduce legislation to establish a Stolen Generations Reparations Tribunal.
 
"Along with millions of Australians I welcomed the Government's national Apology to the Stolen Generations. The apology was the first step in redressing the historic injustice of the Stolen Generations," said Senator Rachel Siewert, today.
 
"The Greens' Bill is the next step. It seeks to implement a key recommendation from the Bringing Them Home Report by providing a mechanism to make reparations to the Stolen Generations," she said.
 
"Reparations include, but are much more than, monetary compensation or ex gratia payments. There is a focus in the Bill on communal reparations, including measures such as funding for healing centres, community education projects, community genealogy projects, and funding for access to counselling services, health services, language and culture training for the Stolen Generations."
 
"This Tribunal provides for a more holistic approach to reparations for the Stolen Generations. Just reparations are essential to repairing the enduring social, economic and cultural harm experienced by the Stolen Generations," said Senator Siewert.
 
"I want to acknowledge the work of former Senator Andrew Bartlett in bringing forward the issue of compensation for the Stolen Generations.
It was very disappointing to hear the Government dismiss out of hand the issue of reparation and compensation when delivering the apology."
 
"In the same way the national Apology was long overdue, so is a reparation scheme," she concluded.
 
For more information or media enquiries please call Tim Norton on 0418
401 180
senator.siewert@aph.gov.au  |  www.rachelsiewert.org.au  | www.greensmps.org.au