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Not 'in the spirit of reconciliation'

22 November 2002 - Reconciliation Queensland Incorporated -Reconciliation QLD Inc (RQI) - Media Release - has objected to the repeated reference by the Queensland Government, to its offer of compensation to the victims of the "stolen wages" case as being "in the spirit of reconciliation."

The Co-Chair of RQI, Joan Hendriks, says "RQI has conveyed this objection to the Premier, but that this reference has continued".

The view of RQI is that the issue is one of natural justice and integrity. Until as recently as the early 1970s, young Indigenous teenagers had been forcibly removed from home and community, and sent out to pastoral properties and homes in Brisbane in what was effectively forced labour. As far as they were concerned, it was like being sent to a foreign land. They had received a minimal cash allowance, but most of their substandard wages had been paid into bank accounts over which they had no control, and from which funds had been taken and used for other purposes.

Hence the title "stolen wages" was an accurate one, and what is required now is restitution to the victims or their successors, of the amounts actually owing to them. Where this could not be determined, a realistic estimate should be used, rather than making a token payment.

Mrs Hendriks says, "While it was true that reconciliation could not be achieved until this matter is settled, the first requirement is a realistic offer on the basis of which the relationship which is the essential foundation for reconciliation, could be built. The offer is certainly not 'in the spirit of reconciliation'".

Source: Reconciliation Queensland Incorporated

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