Stuart Price, CEO of Litigation Lending announces the settlement in-principle for $190m of the Stolen Wages (QLD) class action by the Queensland State Government. This settlement is subject to documentation and Court approval.
Mr Price said “As a litigation funder aligned to social justice outcomes we are proud to have played a part in bringing this claim to a successful conclusion.”
This settlement comes almost 3 years since it was commenced in 2016, and represents the 5th largest class action settlement in Australia’s history.
Shaun Bonétt, Chairman of Litigation Lending said “This Stolen Wages case represents one of the most important resolutions in Australia’s history, especially coming in NAIDOC week. This will allow the continuing integration and reconciliation with the First Nations people.”
The joint press release from Litigation Lending and BE Law is attached.
Compensation for thousands of Stolen Wages victims in Western Australia
The WA Government has settled a class action for Stolen Wages on behalf of many thousands of Aboriginal Australians who worked in Western Australia and were not paid some or all of their wages while they were subject to legislation in effect from 1936 to 1972. As part of the class action settlement, the State of WA will pay up to $180.4 million to eligible aboriginal workers or their surviving spouses and children.
The West Australian: Barbara Moore, group member for Stolen Wages WA class action “They should pay us now. It’s time. Enough is enough.”
It’s time for the WA Government to listen and pay victims what they are owed. As the fight continues for victims of wage theft, LLS together with our partners at Shine Lawyers, is determined to play our part in the pursuit of justice.
Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan Launch – July 2023
Reconciliation Australia have endorsed Litigation Lending’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan.
Appointment of Investment Manager – May 2023
Litigation Lending is delighted to announce the appointment of our new Investment Manager Paris Hamrey.
Justice for Stolen Generations. An historic $50.45 million class action settlement approval for deceased members of the NT Stolen Generations and their descendants.
Approved by the Supreme Court of NSW on 17 April 2023.
Rebecca Le May writes in The West Australian on stories for some of WA’s hard working First Nations peoples who had their wages withheld under the government’s regulatory policies at the time.
What is the price of slavery? What actually happened to the 14,000 or so First Nations people of WA who were enslaved to work for little more than board and rations?