NSW Government's Stolen Generations package welcomed

2 December 2016 

The NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) has welcomed the Baird Government's offer of financial compensation and ongoing support for survivors of the Stolen Generations.

The $73 million compensation package unveiled today includes the establishment of a Stolen Generations advisory committee and a healing fund to support survivors, their families and communities still living with the legacy of past policies.

"The shameful practice of removing children based on their race is a major contributor to the difficulties many Aboriginal families face today. Through institutionalisation and abuse, far too many Aboriginal peoples lost their cultural identity and all contact with their families.

"No Aboriginal family has been untouched by the horror of child removal and every Local Aboriginal Land Council in New South Wales will have Stolen Generations among its members."

Cr Ah-See said the Baird Government had listened to the painful accounts of Stolen Generations survivors and understood the lasting impact of past injustices on the lives of Aboriginal peoples.

"The Baird Government has shown great empathy towards members of the Stolen Generations and recognises the need for to heal survivors and communities.

"Local Aboriginal Land Councils in New South Wales are vital to the healing process because we can use land to help Stolen Generations regain and build their connection to country."

Cr Ah-See also thanked members of the Parliamentary Inquiry into Reparations for the Stolen Generations in NSW - and Chair Jan Barham - for helping delivering justice for Stolen Generations survivors.

"The Inquiry was conducted with great respect and compassion for survivors and provides a great example of political parties working together to make amends for past injustices."

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Media contact: Andrew Williams 0429 585 291