An independent Commission, with all the powers of a Royal Commission has been established to investigate both historical and ongoing injustices against Aboriginal Victorians.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Gabrielle Williams said the independent Yoo-rrook Justice Commission, in partnership with the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, would chart a new, shared future that all Victorians could be proud of.
Ms Williams also announced the establishment of a new fund to ensure the families of members of Stolen Generations could access financial support to cover funeral expenses to honour their loved ones.
“The $300,000 Interim Funeral Fund has been designed by the Stolen Generations Reparations Steering Committee in consultation with Stolen Generations community and their families,” Ms Williams said.
“The fund will ensure support is available for members of Stolen Generations who pass away prior to the full Stolen Generations Reparations Scheme becoming operational,” she said.
“The Interim Funeral Fund will operate until the commencement of the full Scheme later this year, in recognition of the urgent nature of reparations given the age and illness of many members of the Stolen Generations.”
Ms Williams said the Fund would provide financial support to families of Stolen Generations who passed away from 1 January 2021 to the start of the full Scheme.
The Minister said eligible applicants would be provided up to $10,000 to cover the costs of a funeral, headstone or plaque and/or repatriation of their Stolen Generation family member.
She said the Interim Funeral Fund would be administered by Connecting Home Limited (CHL) and people could contact CHL at [email protected] or by calling 1800 747 732.
