Question regarding the Minister's decision to refuse Trixie Lirrning's application for stolen wages and a request for an apology. The Minister affirms the decision, citing eligibility criteria and Taskforce advice, and declines to apologise.

AnsweredQoN 884Legislative Council
Asked
13 March 2014
Portfolio
Aboriginal Affairs

QuestionView source ↗

Regarding the application by Trixie Lirrning of Kununurra to the Stolen Wages Reparation Scheme WA, I ask: (a) does the Minister recall his decision to refuse Ms Lirrning's application for stolen wages for the time she worked without pay or other benefits on Nicholson Station, and is the Minister satisfied that his ruling was fair and just: (i) if no to (a), why not and will he re-consider his decision; and (ii) if yes to (a), can the Minister please explain how it is fair and just; and (b) will the Minister now apologise, on behalf of the Government of the day, to Ms Lirrning and other Aboriginal people who worked on stations without wages or benefits: (i) if no to (b), why not?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
10 April 2014
Responded by
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs
Response time
28 days
(a) Yes.
(i) The decision will not be reconsidered.
(ii) The eligibility criteria for the Stolen Wages Reparation Scheme (the Scheme) were reasonable and clear and were applied consistently in assessing each application.
(b) No.
(i) The State Government's response to the issue of stolen wages was largely based on advice from the Stolen Wages Taskforce. It should be noted the State Government invests heavily in measures to improve outcomes for Aboriginal people. These investments are to a large degree, based on recognition that the disadvantage experienced by many Aboriginal people is a result of discriminatory legislation and policy that existed during the period 1905-1972.

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