Information about eligibility, redress available, the application process and support services.
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The Territories Stolen Generations Redress Scheme (the Scheme) is a financial and wellbeing package for Stolen Generations survivors who were removed as children from their families or communities in the territories administered by the Commonwealth in the past.
Redress
The Scheme seeks to recognise the harm and trauma experienced by Stolen Generations survivors and offers eligible people a:
- redress payment of up to $75,000
- healing assistance payment of $7,000
- Personal Acknowledgement.
A Personal Acknowledgement is an opportunity for a Stolen Generations survivor’s story of removal and the impact it has had on them to be acknowledged in a personalised and genuine way by a senior government person. It can be provided in a face-to-face meeting, as a letter, or both.
Eligibility
The National Indigenous Australians Agency decision-maker must be satisfied it is plausible that both of the following criteria are met:
- The applicant is a person of Aboriginal and/ or Torres Strait Islander descent, who is a Stolen Generations survivor.
- The applicant’s removal took place in the:
- Northern Territory, prior to 1 July 1978; or
- Australian Capital Territory, prior to 11 May 1989; or
- Jervis Bay Territory.
Key information
Applications can be submitted any time up until 31 August 2027.
Stolen Generations survivors can apply if they were removed in the territories regardless of where they were born; where they removed to; or whether they live outside of the territories, in urban centres or a community, in long term residential care, or in prison.
Representatives of Stolen Generations survivors who have passed away since the Scheme’s announcement (5 August 2021), but would be otherwise eligible for the Scheme, may apply on behalf of the person who has passed away.
The application process is simple and the requirements on Stolen Generations survivors is kept to a minimum.
The Scheme recognises there may be absent or inadequate historical records about the removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families, and the evidentiary standard of plausible takes this into account.
There is no requirement for the applicant to provide any documentation in support of their story of removal but they are encouraged to do so. Our research team conducts the research required to support the assessment of an applicant’s eligibility.
The Scheme operates on the basis of doing no further harm, there is trauma-aware and healing informed supports available to help Stolen Generations survivors at all stages of the application process — even if someone is just thinking about applying.
This information might bring up difficult memories and feelings. There is immediate 24-hour support available.
- If you or someone you know is in immediate danger call 000
- 13YARN 13 92 76
- Lifeline 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue 1300 224 636
- Suicide Call Back Services 1300 659 467
Support services
Free legal advice and financial counselling are available through knowmore Legal Services.
Link-Up services can help with filling out an application or provide emotional support throughout the application process. Link-Up services also provide support for Stolen Generations and their families, including family tracing and reunions.
Payments
Eligible applicants may accept their redress payments (upon receipt of an offer letter and acceptance deed) or initiate a Personal Acknowledgement at any time prior to 30 June 2028.
The Scheme’s redress payments are exempt from income tax and generally do not count as income or taxable income for means-tested Commonwealth payments or benefits – however the payments may affect assets tests or State based payments.
Applicants can choose to have their redress payment paid in one lump sum or in 2, 3 or 4 equal instalments over a 12 month period.
A payment under the Scheme will not impact or be impacted by any payments from the National Redress Scheme.
How to apply
To apply for the Territories Stolen Generations Redress Scheme, submit an Application for redress form. You can do this by:
- Visiting the Scheme’s online portal at portal.territoriesredress.gov.au
- Downloading a copy of the Application for redress form from the Scheme website www.territoriesredress.gov.au
- Sending an email to the Scheme at help@territoriesredress.gov.au
- Calling the Scheme on 1800 566 111
- Seeking assistance from a Scheme support service.
More information
To find out more about the Scheme and check if you may be eligible:
Call 1800 566 111
