Compensation - a long time coming…
Last weeks decision by the South Australian Supreme Court to award compensation to a member of the Stolen Generations, Bruce Trevorrow, was a milestone in Australia’s history. This decision has been a long time coming and will do a great deal to give other members of the Stolen Generations the courage and confidence to seek due compensation for their suffering and heartache. Of course there is no amount of money that will compensate for their loss of family and the abuse that many were subjected to, but this is a practical way to ensure their journey toward healing is made easier. It recognises the hardships they have endured and survived. The courage shown by Bruce Trevorrow in bringing this matter to court shows the way for others. It is importantt that proper recognition is given to their experience, the truth is told and accepted, justice is forthcoming and the healing can really begin. As it stands the experience of the Stolen Generations is still a very real problem for this country and a sincere effort to resolve these issues is well overdue. Australia needs to take active steps to properly address these shameful aspects of its history rather than putting people through the trauma of reliving their experiences in a court room. It is time for Governments to seriously consider a compensation package for all members of the Stolen Generationsa. An important thing to consider from the Trevorrow case is that it did not just revolve around the removal. How he was treated and the fact of ongoing separation were also important factors.
