The Andrews Government's move to develop a redress scheme for the Stolen Generation in Victoria is a tribute to the determination and resilience of First Nations people across the state.
Their resilience and courage has endured years of pain and grief. This announcement is long overdue and sadly many members of the Stolen Generations who fought so hard for this have since passed.
Former Greens MP Lidia Thorpe helped bring the issue back into the parliament through her advocacy and in 2018 organised a rally with members of the Stolen Generations on the steps of Parliament.
Thorpe also called for reparations via a motion at the time, which was then reintroduced by the Greens during the current term of Parliament.
Just yesterday, Leader of the Victorian Greens, Samantha Ratnam, delivered an adjournment honouring the life of Aunty Eunice Wright, a member of the Stolen Generation who tragically passed away last week and reiterated calls for a reparations scheme.
The Greens believe an adequate scheme would be in the order of $100 million dollars, and that its development must place the voices of First Nations people front and centre.
As stated by Leader of the Victorian Greens, Samantha Ratnam MLC:
"This announcement is long overdue and a testament to our First Nations people who have had to fight for too long for justice.
"In honour of Aunty Eunice and all those who have passed before today, this reform will mean so much after too many years of pain for our Stolen Generations.
"We hope that First Nations people will be central to the development of this scheme and that that scheme itself amounts to at least $100 million dollars."
