WA Government opens applications for Stolen Generations Redress Scheme

Giovanni Torre Published November 10, 2025 at 2.20pm (AWST)

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WA Premier Roger Cook announcing the redress plan outside WA Parliament House in May. Image: Maria Marouchtchak.

The WA Government has opened the WA Stolen Generations Redress Scheme for applications, acknowledging the enduring effects of past child removal policies on Aboriginal people in Western Australia.

The scheme is available to Aboriginal people who were removed from their families as children in Western Australia before 1 July 1972.

Eligible applicants will receive a redress payment of $85,000, and if they choose, a personal acknowledgement. The WA government said this presented an opportunity for people to share their story and have their experience formally recognised by a State representative.

"The redress scheme has been developed in partnership with Aboriginal organisations, to ensure it is trauma-informed, culturally respectful, and responsive to the needs of those affected. It recognises the profound and lasting harm caused by these policies, which led to separation from family, community, Country, and culture," government said in a joint ministerial statement on Monday.

To support applicants, three Aboriginal organisations have been engaged to provide free, confidential assistance throughout the application process: Yokai - Healing our Spirit; Kimberley Stolen Generation Aboriginal Corporation; and Yorgum Healing Services.

In addition, a free financial counselling service will be available to assist recipients of the redress payment.

Applications may also be made on behalf of people who passed away on or after 27 May 2025, the date the scheme was announced.

To find out more, including how to apply, call 08 6552 5050 or visit wa.gov.au/stolen-generations-redress-scheme.

WA Premier Roger Cook said the Stolen Generations era is a sorrowful and shameful part of our history, and the impacts continue to be felt across families and communities.

"No amount of money can ever make up for the experiences of Stolen Generations survivors and their families, or the ongoing effects on people's lives," he said.

"This scheme is about acknowledging the injustices and offering a path forward - towards healing, truth-telling, and reconciliation."

Mr Cook also acknowledged that members of the Stolen Generations have passed away since the announcement of the WA Stolen Generations Redress Scheme in May.

"Their families are able to apply on their behalf," he said.

Dr Jim Morrison, chair of Yokai - the WA Stolen Generations Aboriginal Corporation. Image: Giovanni Torre.

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Don Punch said the Redress Scheme is "an important step in recognising the deep and lasting harm caused by the removal of Aboriginal children from their families, culture and Country".

"We acknowledge the cycles of disadvantage and intergenerational trauma that these policies have created, and we are committed to addressing them at every level," he said.

"Through this scheme, and in close partnership with Aboriginal organisations, we hope to support healing and truth-telling for survivors, their families, and communities."

Attorney General Dr Tony Buti said the announcement is "significant progress in recognising members of Western Australia's Stolen Generations by providing reparations for surviving members".