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Calma pushes all states to set up Stolen Generation funds

23 January 2008 - The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner says all states should set up a compensation fund for members of the stolen generation.

Tasmania was the first state to introduce a legislated compensation scheme for Aboriginal people who were removed from their families, with $5 million of payments finalised for 106 people.

Commissioner Tom Calma says Queensland and Western Australia have set up similar schemes.

He says it's time all Australian Government's acknowledged an injustice, carried out under government policy.

"I'd urge the Federal Government who only have a responsibility for the Northern Territory because that was under Commonwealth responsibility when these policies were in place to consider a process and a scheme that they can do in conjunction with the Northern Territory Government to compensate people up there."

Source: ABC

Further information: stolen generations issues page - includes news index and external links