Stolen Wages

Frequently Asked Questions - Click here for answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the Stolen Wages Project

Background to the Stolen Wages Taskforce

In May 2007, the Western Australian Government approved a Taskforce to examine and prepare advice and policy options relating to the Government control of Aboriginal people’s money. The Taskforce was required to report to Cabinet by 30 June 2008.

The Taskforce includes representatives from the Departments of Premier and Cabinet, Treasury and Finance, Culture and the Arts, Indigenous Affairs and the Departments for Communities and Child Protection. The Minister for Indigenous Affairs’ Policy Officer represented the Minister on the Taskforce.

The term ‘Stolen Wages’ refers to wages, savings, entitlements and other monies that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people may have had controlled by Government in Western Australia between 1905 and 1972. These controls occurred during times where Government policy and administrative practice allowed extensive controls over the lives, employment and money of many Aboriginal people.

State laws allowed controls over Aboriginal people’s lives in Western Australia and consequential controls over Aboriginal people’s property, including money. Commonwealth laws provided for the payment of entitlements, though these laws relied on State laws to determine who was eligible to receive these entitlements. The State monitored third party warrantees who controlled payments on behalf of the Commonwealth.

The systems of Government control over Aboriginal people’s lives and money created by State laws, and the relationships between State and Commonwealth laws, are complex and ambiguous. Some Aboriginal people experienced extensive Government control over their lives and property and this included having their money controlled through trust accounts. For other Aboriginal people, the lack of controls over their work and lives led to the non-payment or underpayment of wages. For some Aboriginal people, the Government began to control their money in the 1960’s when they became eligible for Commonwealth entitlements.

What is the role of the Taskforce?

The role of the Taskforce is to:

Identify the scope and extent of the stolen wages issue by:

• Determining relevant records and specialist advice required,
• Undertaking analysis, seeking advice and formulating an appropriate research methodology;
• Undertaking comprehensive and appropriate consultation with Aboriginal people and communities, agencies and other parties on the scope and nature of the issues associated with moneys withheld from Aboriginal people;
• Conducting a number of case studies;

Suggest policy options for going forward. Options could range from having no reparation scheme to alternative models for reparation schemes, identifying any administration issues.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisors

Following a public application process, six Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisors were engaged by the Taskforce in November 2007 to provide cultural and ethical guidance and support to ensure the cultural integrity of the work of the Taskforce.

How has the Taskforce undertaken its work?

A project team undertook the consultation, archival research and policy analysis to understand the nature and scope of Government controls of Aboriginal people’s money in Western Australia. Members of the Project Team held 62 meetings in 58 towns and communities during the public consultation period. Click here for a list of locations and dates of community meetings. Over 500 written submissions were received, and information about the systems of Government controls over Aboriginal people’s money, and the impact of the system on Aboriginal people’s lives has assisted the Taskforce to fully understand the nature and extent of the issue in Western Australia and to shape recommendations and outcomes for the Government to consider. 

Report of the Taskforce

The completed report has been submitted to the Minister for Indigenous Affairs for consideration.

Contacting the Project Team undertaking the policy and research

For further information the Stolen Wages Project Team can be contacted on 1800 221 883 or email: stolenwages@dia.wa.gov.au