South Australia is committed to supporting the Stolen Generations through the Stolen Generations Reparations Scheme.
The introduction of the scheme was a significant step in South Australia’s Reconciliation journey – one which provided for reparations but also enabled Aboriginal people affected by Stolen Generations policies to tell their stories as an important part of the healing process.
About the scheme
The Government of South Australia established an $11 million Stolen Generations Reparations Scheme in 2015.
A $6 million Individual Reparations Scheme provided ex-gratia payments to Aboriginal people who are eligible for reparations under the policy criteria of the scheme.
In 2018, a payment of $20,000 was made to eligible applicants. Payment of an additional $10,000 to these applicants is currently being arranged.
A further $5 million was originally allocated to a Stolen Generations Community Reparations Fund. The Fund was established to recognise the grief, pain and loss experienced by Aboriginal communities, families and individuals and to also support a range of proposals that can assist in the healing process.
After two rounds of projects, just over $3 million remained unspent.
As a result of this underspend, it was announced on 12 February 2019 that these funds would be redirected to the Individual Reparations Scheme, enabling an additional payment of $10,000 to be paid to those eligible under the scheme.
At the same time, the Honourable John Hill’s Independent Assessor Report on the Stolen Generations Reparations Scheme was released.
Independent Assessor Report on the Stolen Generations Reparations Scheme (PDF, 16.4 MB)
The report provides information on the scheme, as well as key messages emerging from personal stories shared by applicants. It does not reveal the names of any applicants.
Individual Reparations Scheme
The Individual Reparations Scheme is no longer accepting applications.
The process for making second ex gratia payments of $10,000 is underway. The eligible persons have been contacted, however if you have changed postal addresses since early 2018, then please contact us.
Community Reparations Fund
The Community Reparations Fund was established to support projects that would promote healing for the Stolen Generations, their families and the wider community.
A funding round that was finalised in October 2017 enabled 20 projects to be funded to a total of $1.25 million.
A second funding round was completed in 2018 and the following organisations were supported to undertake 7 projects to a value of $406,565:
- Aged Rights Advocacy Service
- Ara Irititja Aboriginal Corporation
- Blackwood Reconciliation Group (funded for two projects)
- Port Lincoln Aboriginal Health Service
- SA Stolen Generations Aboriginal Corporation
- Yellaka Aboriginal Culture and Dance Group, auspiced by Tauondi Aboriginal Corporation.
Summary of funded projects – round one (PDF, 289.1 KB)
Summary of funded projects – round 2 (PDF, 144.7 KB)
Community consultations identified possible project themes including oral histories, Aboriginal family and community history, healing, arts and cultural activities, memorials and places of reflection, and preserving and making accessible documents that are important to Stolen Generations and their families.
Summary of consultations – Community Reparations Fund (PDF, 2.8 MB)
Owing to the redirection of the unspent Community Reparations Fund to the Individual Reparations Scheme on 12 February 2019, the fund is now closed.
Further assistance
For counselling and support, refer to the following organisations.
Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Agency
Nunkuwarrin Yunti of South Australia
Phone: (08) 8406 1600
Website: www.nunku.org.au
Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement
Phone: 1800 643 222
Email: info@alrm.org.au
Website: www.alrm.org.au
Elm Place at Relationships Australia SA
Phone: 1800 188 118
Website: www.elmplace.org.au
Watto Purrunna Aboriginal Primary Health Care Service:
- Muna Paiendi, corner Mark and Oldham Roads, Elizabeth Vale SA 5112
Phone: (08) 8182 9206 - Maringga Turtpandi, GP Plus Super Clinic, 1 Gilles Crescent, Hillcrest SA 5086
Phone: (08) 7425 8900 - Wonggangga Turtpandi, corner Church and Dale Street, Port Adelaide SA 5015
Phone: (08) 9240 9611 - Kanggawodli, 16–22 Clements Street, Dudley Park SA 2250
Phone: (08) 8342 2250