Class action launched against the Commonwealth Government on behalf of First Nations peoples seeking compensation from the Commonwealth of Australia for lost income between 1933 and 1972, when First Nations people were denied basic rights and entitlements under so-called protective legislation whilst working in the Northern Territory.
Aboriginal leader and Director of Litigation Lending Services (LLS), which is funding the class action, Nyunggai Warren Mundine AO, said it’s time the issue of stolen wages was addressed. “Australians expect a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work and it’s embarrassing the Commonwealth has not already acted to resolve this injustice,” Mr Mundine said. “We are proud to serve a pathway to justice for these First Nations people whose efforts built our great nation.”