[Greens-Media] MARK PARNELL: Are we really sorry?

[Parnell]

Media Release
29th February 2008

Greens condemn Stolen Generations appeal


Greens MLC Mark Parnell has condemned the decision by the State Attorney
General Michael Atkinson to appeal the landmark 'Stolen Generations'
case involving Bruce Trevorrow, and has instead called for a tribunal to
be established to resolve future cases of compensation outside the court
system.

"Like many Australians I was greatly heartened by Kevin Rudd's long
awaited apology to the Stolen Generations," Mark Parnell said. 

"Now, less than 2 weeks after that historic occasion, the Rann Labor
Government is set to prolong the agony of Stolen Generations members"

After the judgement in the Bruce Trevorrow case was handed down in
August last year, the Greens called for a compensation scheme, outside
the court system, for members of the Stolen Generations, to be set up.

"Trying to right years of wrong through the court system is incredibly
exhausting, frustrating and expensive.  And by appealing the decision in
the Bruce Trevorrow case, the Rann Government is set to make it even
harder for those who try and follow Bruce's footsteps.

"I urge the Government to stop their appeal and, instead use the
opportunity of Bruce Trevorrow's landmark victory to shift the
resolution of claims away from the courts. 

"Setting up a compensation tribunal would be a much fairer approach -
let's get the lawyers out of it, and stop putting members of the Stolen
Generations through the ringer,' he said.

 
For further comment contact Craig Wilkins on 0434 007 893



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