35 Geelong Aborigines ‘to sue’ after apology ‘It’s payback time’

Alex de Vos
Thirty-five Geelong Aborigines will seek compensation after the Rudd Government says sorry to the “stolen generation”, according to Wathaurong Aboriginal Cooperative.
Cooperative counsellor Merryn Apma said they were ready to take action against government for their forced removal and adoption with white families.
Convicted Geelong drink-driver Glen Atkinson would also seek the return of his licence, arguing the apology would confirm white law had no jurisdiction over him, Ms Apma said.
Ms Apma had been “working around the clock” to prepare the claims.
She said the Government should compensate members of the stolen generation because it was the “right thing to do”.
All other Aborigines also deserved compensation as well, Ms Apma said.
“It’s not just about the stolen generation – all Aborigines have been affected.”
Mr Atkinson said he would also use his no-jurisdiction claim when he appealed his drink-driving conviction in Geelong Magistrates’ Court next Friday.
Mr Atkinson believed he was above white law because the Government “broke (its) own law” when it removed him from his family as an 18-month-old.
Mr Atkinson was confident his defence would hold up in court.
He planned to launch his compensation claim after beating the convictions.
Mr Atkinson said compensation was “secondary” to an apology.
“Without that (compensation), the apology is just water off a duck’s back.”
Police charged Mr Atkinson with driving while disqualified, driving an unregistered car, and drink-driving after pulling him over at Belmont on October 25, 2006.
He appeared in Melbourne’s Magistrates’ Court to answer the charges last year in traditional Aboriginal dress.
Mr Atkinson paddled a canoe along the Yarra River and walked the rest of the way to reach court.
He appeared with the wardship number allocated to him when he was taken into state care scrawled across his chest.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said his government would apologise to indigenous Australians on February 13.
The apology is set to be the first item of business for the new federal parliament.
Mr Rudd said the Government would not establish a compensation fund.