For many years, stolen wages have been a contentious topic in Australia. The government and private organisations underpay or do not pay the wages of Aboriginal workers and Torres Strait Islander workers, which is referred to as stolen wages. This practice was prevalent between the late 1800s and the 1970s, affecting thousands of Indigenous Australians or aboriginal people.
The Commission has been, and continues to be, involved in a number of cases involving claims of racial discrimination in Queensland under the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth) (‘the RDA’), relating to the underpayment of wages to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The Queensland Government also introduced the Indigenous Wages and Savings Reparation Process in November 2002. This article sheds light on stolen wages and their impact on Indigenous Australians and the Torres Strait Islander District.
Historical Context
The practice of stolen wages in New South Wales was prevalent for over seven decades, where Indigenous Australians receive lower salaries than their non-Indigenous counterparts. The government and private organisations exploited the Indigenous workforce by paying them meagre wages or not paying them at all.
Some workers were paid in rations or goods instead of cash, often inadequate for their basic needs. The government also controlled the wages of Indigenous workers and some of it were sent to trust funds that they could only access after retirement. Many Indigenous Australians were coerced to work for little to no pay, and they were unaware of their rights.
Impacts of Stolen Wages
The impact of stolen wages on Indigenous Australians has been significant and long-lasting. The practice has contributed to the economic disadvantage experienced by many Indigenous communities today. Many Indigenous Australians lost their land and homes and were forced to move to cities to find work. The lack of fair wages also meant many Indigenous families struggled to provide for their basic needs, leading to poverty and poor health outcomes.
The issue of stolen wages has had several impacts on the affected communities, including:
Poverty
Many Indigenous Australians suffered in poverty due to the underpayment of wages. This has affected their access to basic needs such as housing, healthcare, and education.
Intergenerational Trauma
The impact of stolen wages passed down to generations of Indigenous Australians. The trauma and injustice experienced by their ancestors continue to affect their mental health and well-being.
Loss of Trust
The underpayment of wages has led to a loss of trust between Indigenous Australians and the government. This has made it difficult for the government to work with Indigenous communities on other issues.
Economic Disadvantage
The underpayment of wages has contributed to the economic disadvantage experienced by Indigenous Australians. This has made it difficult for them to access job opportunities and participate fully in the economy.
Social Inequality
The impact of stolen wages has contributed to the social inequality experienced by Indigenous Australians. This has affected their ability to participate fully in society and contributed to their communities’ marginalisation.
The government must address this issue to ensure the service of justice, and for Indigenous Australians to advance with greater equality and dignity.
Restitution and Reparations
In recent years, the Australian government has recognised the injustice of stolen wages and has taken steps toward restitution and reparations. The New South Wales government announced a $20 million reparations scheme for Indigenous Australians who were affected by the practice of stolen wages.
The scheme aimed to financially compensate Indigenous Australians who were underpaid or unpaid for their work. The government has also established a task force to investigate the extent of stolen wages in New South Wales and identify those eligible for compensation.
The issue of stolen wages in Australia is a painful reminder of the injustices Indigenous Australians faced. The practice affected the economic and social well-being of Indigenous communities. However, the recent efforts to provide restitution and reparations offer hope for a better future. We must continue to educate ourselves about the history of stolen wages and work towards creating a fair and just society for all Australians.
Legal Assistance for the Recovery of Stolen Wages
Legal Support
The first step in recovering stolen wages is to seek legal support from lawyers by:
- Providing expert legal advice on the best action to recover lost wages.
- Helping you navigate the complex legal system can be overwhelming for those without legal expertise.
- Working with Indigenous communities to investigate the extent of stolen wages and to identify the companies or industries responsible for the lost wages.
- Negotiating a settlement sum, providing litigation lending services, or representing Indigenous Australians in the supreme or federal court if necessary.
Compensation
Lawyers can help Indigenous Australians to claim compensation for their stolen wages. This compensation can cover the unpaid wages, the interest on those wages, and any additional damages from the lost wages.
The compensation award can be through various legal channels, including settlements, class action lawsuits, and government compensation schemes. Furthermore, lawyers can help Indigenous Australians determine the best course of action for their particular situation and pursue compensation in the most likely successful way.
Raising Awareness
Finally, lawyers can play a crucial role in raising awareness about the issue of stolen wages and advocating for change. They can work with Indigenous communities to share their stories and bring attention to the ongoing impact of stolen wages.
Attorneys can also work with government and industry stakeholders to push for policy changes and reparations for Indigenous Australians affected by stolen wages. By raising awareness and advocating for change, lawyers can help prevent similar injustices from occurring.
How Can JB Solicitors Help Stolen Wages Claimants?
Recovering stolen wages is a complex and challenging process, but with the help of a lawyer, Indigenous Australians can take steps to recover what is rightfully theirs. Lawyers can provide legal support, help to claim compensation, and raise awareness about the ongoing impact of financial abuse.
Together, Indigenous Australians and attorneys can seek restitution for wages that have been wrongfully withheld, pursue justice, and promote a more just and equitable society.
JB Solicitors has a team of expert attorneys who can help you protect your rights and recover damages. We can discuss the course of action for a successful damage recovery resolution. Let’s talk.
Contact us here if you need help with any enquiry whether you’re in Western Australia or in any other Australian state.
