The Wire

Between 1900 and 1969 the New South Wales government deducted money from Aboriginal peoples family endowments, pensions, wages and compensation payments. The money was placed in trust and managed by the Aboriginal Protection Board. Many Aboriginal people did not receive their money and have been denied access to account records. After a long struggle the New South Wales government agreed to identify and reimburse affected Aboriginal people. A Panel is consulting with Aboriginal people to devise a suitable hearing and payment process. Panel member Sam Jefferies explains that they will to use this information to present a report with recommendations of a proper reparation scheme to government. Although the money was taken many years ago the greatest challenge is neglected records of people’s locations, work place and work hours. The panel will approach institutions like Catholic missions, cattle stations and Universities for documents. The Panel believes that where documentation exists, reimbursement should be given immediately. For more complicated cases and where affected family members have passed away, the panel wants the community to discuss a way to provide fair payment.