‘Sorry good enough’ for 35 Aborigines eyeing court

Alex de Vos
Saying sorry should be enough for Geelong Aborigines planning to sue for compensation over the “stolen generation”, according to Geelong MPs.
State MPs John Eren and Ian Trezise joined federal Member for Corangamite Darren Cheese-man to back Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s apology but rejected “individual compensation”.
The MPs were responding to a report in last week’s Independent revealing 35 Geelong Aborigines planned to sue for compensation after Mr Rudd’s apology.
Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative counsellor Merryn Apma said they were ready to take action against government for their forced removal and adoption with white families.
Government should compensate the stolen generation because it was the “right thing to do”, she said.
But Member for Lara John Eren said stolen generation members had “no reason” to seek personal compensation.
“It’s (the apology) not about seeking personal compensation – it’s about providing services and closing the 17-year life expectancy gap,” Mr Eren said.
Member for Geelong Ian Trezise said Aborigines should not use Mr Rudd’s apology as a basis to sue for compensation.
“I fully support the decision to formally say sorry,” Mr Trezise said.
“I fully support ongoing and positive action to ensure important issues such as health and education are addressed.
“I don’t think the apology should lead to individual compensation.”
Mr Cheeseman said he welcomed the apology but also opposed Aborigines going to court for compensation.
“Kevin Rudd has made it plainly clear that he doesn’t support individual compensation,” he said.
“But he wants to see education improved in Aboriginal communities. I’m very supportive of Mr Rudd.”
However, Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville said Aborigines could pursue compensation through courts “where there has been evidence of abuse”.
But no claims had been successful in Victoria since the state’s parliament issued its own apology to the stolen generation in 1997, Ms Neville said.
Federal Member for Corio Richard Marles said he supported “the law”.
“If people have a case then there is a legal system for them to pursue their claim,” he said.
“But there won’t be a separate (government) compensation fund.”
Mr Rudd has announced his government will apologise to indigenous Australians on February 13.
State Member for South Barwon Michael Crutchfield did not return the Independent’s calls for comment.