- Eligible applicants to receive an $85,000 redress payment and a personal acknowledgementfrom the State Government
- Scheme recognises the harm experienced by Aboriginal children who were removed from their family in WA before 1 July 1972
- Part of the Cook Government's priority to invest in a more inclusive community and address historical injustice
The Cook Government has opened the WA Stolen Generations Redress Scheme for applications, a vital step in acknowledging the enduring effects of past child removal policies on Aboriginal people in Western Australia.
The scheme is available to Aboriginal people who were removed from their families as children in Western Australia before 1 July 1972.
Eligible applicants will receive a redress payment of$85,000, and if they choose, a personal acknowledgement. This is an opportunity for people to share their story and have their experience formally recognised by a State Government representative.
The redress scheme has been developed in partnership with Aboriginal organisations, to ensure it is trauma-informed, culturally respectful, and responsive to the needs of those affected. It recognises the profound and lasting harm caused by these policies, which led to separation from family, community, Country, and culture.
To support applicants, three Aboriginal organisations have been engaged to provide free, confidentialassistancethroughout the application process:
- Yokai - Healing our Spirit;
- Kimberley Stolen Generation Aboriginal Corporation; and
- Yorgum Healing Services.
In addition, a free financial counselling service will be available to assist recipients of the redress payment.
Applications may also be made on behalf of people who passed away on or after 27May 2025, the date the scheme was announced.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"The Stolen Generations era is a sorrowful and shameful part of our history, and the impacts continue to be felt across families and communities.
"No amount of money can ever make up for the experiences of Stolen Generations survivors and their families, or the ongoing effects on people's lives.
"This scheme is about acknowledging the injustices and offering a path forward - towards healing, truth-telling, and reconciliation."
As stated by Aboriginal Affairs Minister Don Punch:
"The WA Stolen Generations Redress Scheme is an important step in recognising the deep and lasting harm caused by the removal of Aboriginal children from their families, culture and Country.
"We acknowledge the cycles of disadvantage and intergenerational trauma that these policies have created, and we are committed to addressing them at every level.
"Through this scheme, and in close partnership with Aboriginal organisations, we hope to support healing and truth-telling for survivors, their families, and communities."
As stated by Attorney General Dr Tony Buti:
"This announcement is significant progress in recognising members of Western Australia's Stolen Generations by providing reparations for surviving members.
"This scheme will not only help those who were wronged but will be a move towards addressing some of the intergenerational pain experienced as a result.
"We hope this support can contribute to the healing process for all those impacted."
