Find out if you're eligible
The Territories Stolen Generations Redress Scheme seeks to recognise the harm and trauma experienced by Stolen Generations survivors who were removed from their families or communities in the Northern Territory or the Australian Capital Territory before self-government, and the Jervis Bay Territory.
The scheme is open until 31 August 2027.
Who is eligible?
The scheme is open to people who meet the following criteria:
- you are a person of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, or both, who is a Stolen Generations survivor
- you were under 18 years old when you were removed from your family or community
- government or non-government officers or agencies removed you
- you were removed from the:
- Northern Territory before 1 July 1978
- Australian Capital Territory before 11 May 1989
- Jervis Bay Territory.
You can also apply on behalf of a family member who passed away, if:
- they passed on or after the scheme’s announcement on 5 August 2021
- they meet all the criteria above.
What do you need to apply?
You do not need to have records about your removal in order to apply. The National Indigenous Australians Agency (with your permission) will research relevant records that may help with your application. You can also include copies of supporting records with your application (do not send original records). This may include:
- official records such as government records, police records, church or mission records, or welfare body records
- documentary sources such as photographs, magazine articles, newspaper articles, oral histories, manuscripts, or books
- contextual records such as protection reports.
What does the scheme do?
The scheme seeks to recognise the harm and trauma experienced by Stolen Generations survivors. The scheme offers:
- redress payment of up to $75,000
- healing assistance payment of $7,000
- personal acknowledgement.
A personal acknowledgement is the opportunity for your story about removal and the impact it has had on you to be acknowledged by a senior government person and receive a personalised and genuine acknowledgement of the resulting harm and trauma. Personal acknowledgements can be face-to-face, in writing (a personal letter), or both.
How to apply
To apply, call the Territories Stolen Generations Redress Scheme on 1800 566 111. If you need more information, go to their website: https://territoriesredress.gov.au/.
If you would like to find out more about eligibility or need support with your application, please contact Link-Up Victoria: call 1800 687 662 or email linkup@vacca.org.
