[Greens-Media] Stolen Generations Compensation an Opportunity for Real Leadership

[Franks, Office]

Stolen Generations Compensation an Opportunity for Real Leadership
December 4, 2014

South Australia last night inched closer to becoming the second state (after Tasmania) to enact a stolen generations compensation scheme - a scheme which could provide an alternative to the lengthy, expensive court options currently in place.

Greens Aboriginal Affairs spokesperson Tammy Franks MLC spoke to the Stolen Generations (Compensation) Bill in Parliament last night.

The Bill, put forward by the Hon. Terry Stephens MLC in response to an inquiry by the Aboriginal Lands Parliamentary Standing Committee into the Hon Tammy Franks MLC's 2010 Greens' Bill, could result in about 300 Aboriginal people receiving an ex gratia payment in accordance with the proposed eligibility criteria.

"This Bill leaves the door open for much-needed reform next year. It shows us a way forward," Ms Franks said.

"Rather than in the dying hours of a prorogued Parliament, this Bill should be debated and heralded in a place where the gallery is full of those who are affected by this decision and where we celebrate that we have moved beyond sorry into actually making reparations.

"This is an opportunity for the Government to show real leadership when State Parliament resumes.

"Sorry isn't good enough anymore; we need reparations, and we need a Government that comes to the table and not only talks the talk, but also walks the walk of reconciliation."

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