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❓ Question regarding Ms. Ethel Walalgie's application to the Redress Scheme WA, its alleged loss by the Department, and a request to reopen the scheme, particularly for remote Aboriginal people. Also inquires about the Minister's awareness of Ms. Walalgie's childhood experiences and alleged abuse.

AnsweredQoN 1200Legislative Council

Asked

7 May 2014

Member

Hon Robin Chapple

Portfolio

Aboriginal Affairs

QuestionView source ↗

Regarding the application by Ms Ethel Walalgie of Halls Creek to the Redress Scheme Western Australia, I ask: (a) is the Minister aware of the claim made by Ms Walalgie that she has made an application to the Department of Communities under the Redress Scheme Western Australia during the time that it was open, an application that was apparently never received by the department, for which there is no explanation and has been no investigation: (i) if yes to (a), is the Minister also aware that Ms Walalgie has requested that the Government re-open the Redress Scheme Western Australia, especially for Aboriginal people living in remote parts of Western Australia; (ii) if yes to (a) and (a)(i), will the Minister re-open the Redress Scheme Western Australia and order an investigation; and (iii) if no to (a), (a)(i) and (a)(ii), why not; and (b) is the Minister aware of the circumstances of Ms Walalgie's childhood at Moola Boola near Halls Creek and the United Aborigines Mission in Fitzroy Crossing, and the physical and psychological abuse she claims she suffered at the hands of the staff there: (i) if yes to (b), does the Minister think that this sort of treatment is ever warranted and justified; (ii) if yes to (b), does the Minister consider some form of compensation should be forthcoming to ease the hurt; and (iii) if no to (b) and (b)(i) and (b)(ii), why not?