'Sorry' compo claims start flooding in
UP to 40 indigenous Australians are preparing compensation claims against the Victorian Government following this week's official apology to the Stolen Generations.
Victorian man Neville Austin, 44, is planning to launch Victoria's first Stolen Generation claim.
His solicitors have briefed barrister Jack Rush QC, who was part of the legal team that won a $4 billion payout from James Hardie Industries for former workers exposed to lethal doses of asbestos.
But the head of Stolen Generations Victoria and Mr Austin's cousin, Lyn Austin, said while she could not comment on Mr Austin's case, dozens more were preparing similar claims.
"I cannot make comment on that case at all, but ... I do know that there are another 30 or 40 that are going to be doing a civil action claim," she said on ABC Radio in Melbourne.
"They have a right to pursue a claim if they wish, they were removed through the policies that were upon them.
"It should be left for the courts and people to have that choice and make a choice of whether they take a civil claim individually or class action."
Mr Austin's writ is yet to be filed and does not nominate a payout figure, but claimants in other states have won between $350,000 and $500,000.
Fellow Victorian Bruce Trevorrow won $775,000 when a South Australian court ruled his removal from his family caused long-term depression.
State fund
Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency chief executive Muriel Bamblett said a state compensation fund would address concerns that urban Aborigines' plight was being overlooked.
"There is a real concern in Victoria we are not viewed as Aboriginal or part of the stolen generation process," she said. "A fund would generate a lot of goodwill."
Stolen Generations Alliance spokeswoman Karen Mundine said state-based compensation remained an option: "It's up to the states to decide."
Position remains
Aboriginal Affairs minister Richard Wynne said the Victorian Parliament had already apologised to the stolen generations.
"No compensation has flowed from this," spokesman Ben Ruse said.
"We support the national apology but our position on compensation has not changed."
WA will set up a fund for those abused in state care, including stolen generations members.
Queensland and NSW have rejected the idea; Tasmania has set aside $5 million for surviving stolen generations members and the children of those who have died.
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