The Victorian Government has announced it will set up a $300,000 fund to offer financial support to cover funeral expenses for the families of members of Stolen Generations.
The Interim Funeral Fund has been designed by the Stolen Generations Reparations Steering Committee in consultation with Stolen Generations community and their families.
The fund will make support available for members of Stolen Generations who pass away prior to the full Stolen Generations Reparations Scheme becoming operational.
“We are ensuring Aboriginal self-determination in the design of Stolen Generations Reparations, and the establishment of the Interim Funeral Fund reflects this work,” said Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Gabrielle Williams.
“This support will make a significant difference to the lives of many Stolen Generations families. It is also an acknowledgement of the past injustices perpetrated by the State against Stolen Generations and their families,” she said.
“We cannot change the past, but we can confront it and help make a difference to the lives of so many Aboriginal Victorian people who have suffered and continue to suffer.”
She said the Government was continuing to progress the landmark Stolen Generations Reparations Scheme to address the trauma and suffering caused by the forced removal of Aboriginal children from their families.
The Government is also establishing the independent Yoo-rrook Justice Commission, in partnership with the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, which will have the full powers of a Royal Commission to investigate both historical and ongoing injustices against Aboriginal Victorians.
“This fund allows families to give their loved one a dignity in death they may not have always had in life. It allows them to grieve without the additional burden of the expense of a funeral,” said Chair of the Stolen Generations Reparations Steering Committee, Ian Hamm
“It is the right thing to do; it is the decent thing to do.”
The Interim Funeral Fund will operate until the commencement of the full Scheme later this year.
It will provide financial support to families of Stolen Generations who pass away from 1 January 2021 to the start of the full Scheme.
Eligible applicants will be provided up to $10,000 to cover the costs of a funeral, headstone or plaque and/or repatriation of their Stolen Generation family member.
