The Federal Court has ruled that over $144 million in compensation will be distributed to West Australian First Nations people who had their wages withheld or were underpaid on stations between the 1930s and 1970s. This landmark judgement brings an end to legal proceedings, benefiting 8,750 claimants.
Compensation Granted for Withheld or Underpaid Wages
The Federal Court has ruled that compensation of over $144 million will be distributed to West Australian First Nations people who had their wages withheld or were underpaid on stations between the 1930s and 1970s.
Landmark Judgement Brings End to Legal Proceedings
The judgement brings an end to legal proceedings in the Federal Court that first began in 2021. The case was launched by Gooniyandi stockman and Kimberley artist Mervyn Street, who had his wages withheld until his 30s after working on stations most of his life.
Compensation Will Be Split Among 8,750 Claimants
The compensation granted by the court will amount to $16,500 per eligible claimant. The judgement comes following a discriminatory government policy between 1936 and 1972.
Justice Murphy’s Statement on Trauma Inflicted on Indigenous People
In handing down his judgement, Justice Bernard Murphy said the compensation did not take into account the trauma this period inflicted on Indigenous people. He stated that many Aboriginal people were taken away from their families at a young age, placed in institutions where they were required to work for no pay or little pay, and suffered lifelong psychological scars as a result.
Background of the Case
The case was first brought by Mervyn Street, who had his wages withheld until his 30s after working on stations most of his life. Represented by Shine Lawyers, the complaint later led to 8,750 successful claims being registered.
Landmark Judgement
This landmark judgement brings an end to legal proceedings in the Federal Court that first began in 2021. The case was brought by Gooniyandi stockman and Kimberley artist Mervyn Street, who had his wages withheld until his 30s after working on stations most of his life.
Compensation for Eligible Claimants
Justice Bernard Murphy’s Statement
In handing down his judgement, Justice Bernard Murphy said the compensation did not take into account the trauma this period inflicted on Indigenous people. He stated that many Aboriginal people were taken away from their families at a young age, placed in institutions where they were forced to work for little or no pay, and suffered lifelong psychological scars as a result.
Number of Claimants
The judgement will benefit 8,750 claimants, who will share the $144 million compensation.
