Labor calls on government to act on redress scheme as survivors miss out
Linda Burney on Sky News First Edition - Wednesday, 29 April 2020
PETER STEFANOVIC: Joining me now is Shadow Social Services Minister Linda Burney. Linda, good morning to you. Thanks so much for joining us.
LINDA BURNEY: Thanks Peter.
STEFANOVIC: So when it comes to redress, what are your major concerns about that one there that I’ve just outlined?
BURNEY: The concern very much is that many of the people that are eligible for redress are old; they’re unwell; and some of them have died waiting. And that’s unacceptable. Labor is calling on the government to do what they say they’ve been going to do for two years, and that’s name and shame the institutions that haven’t signed up, and actually sanction them with no more funding. But the most important thing is that we’re calling for Peter is an early release of funds to those people that are waiting. Scotland has done it. And there is no reason why it can’t happen here in Australia.
STEFANOVIC: Just first of all to the suggestions that a fraction of applications have been made which is true. But isn’t it true that applications only come in as they come in?
BURNEY: The numbers that you quoted at the top of the story are correct. There’s been over 5,000 applications. About 1,300 have been processed. But over 500 have been put on hold because those institutions haven’t signed up. Now they do have ‘til June to sign up. But you know, you would think that they would have done so by now. It’s absolutely unacceptable that institutions that have been responsible in the past for enormous trauma to thousands and thousands of young children have not seen their moral responsibility to sign up to the scheme. And these people are now in their 70s and 80s, some of them a little bit younger. The trauma that they’ve gone through and being re-traumatised by this inappropriate, inadequate process of getting the redress scheme working is unacceptable. And that’s why Labor are making the calls that we are making this morning, including lifting the cap that the royal commission recommended. The states and the commonwealth have come up with a cap of $150,000. We’re saying it should be $200,000 as the royal commission said. And we’re saying their should be an early payments scheme for people who have been waiting for over five years now. Five very long years.
STEFANOVIC: Lifting the cap to $200,000 – that would just be a state issue wouldn’t it?
BURNEY: Well the states had to sign up to this scheme. I think that’s why we ended up with $150,000 – I mean, most people don’t get anything like that. And the matrix on – I don’t know – damage I suppose, is inappropriate as well and we’d like that looked at. But the most important thing is that people have been waiting for over five years. People that are old; that are damaged; and that have had their whole lives affected by their experience as a child; and they should not have to wait any longer.
STEFANOVIC: The government does say though that priority processing is in place. And includes the elderly. Is that not enough?
BURNEY: Well, if it’s in place it’s very hard to see. I’ve spoken to survivors. I’ve spoken to Leonie Sheedy from CLAN, of course. And they are absolutely distressed at the length of time and the commitment of the government to this scheme. I know the minister came out this morning – I’m sure prompted by the calls that we’re making – saying that she will name and shame institutions. Well, quite frankly Peter, she’s been saying that for two years.
STEFANOVIC: Linda, can I just ask you an unrelated question? Today, is 250 years since Captain Cook set foot on Botany Bay, I’m just wondering if you have a thought – as an Aboriginal woman – if you have any thoughts on that anniversary that is being held today.
BURNEY: Well, it’s an anniversary of mixed feelings for all Australians, and for First Nations people like myself. It’s obviously a very difficult anniversary. I’m not saying that Cook was not a great navigator. I’m not saying that Cook’s contribution to the world is not significant. But what today means for First Nations people was the beginning of Terra Nullius – the beginning of a very difficult period in our history. I think the most important thing is that truth be told – that it not be a one sided celebration of Cook. And Cook didn’t circumnavigate Australia as the Prime Minister said. That was somebody else. But it is a difficult day. But it’s a day for reflection and truth-telling. I think that’s what’s really important. There is the story from the ships out in Botany Bay. But there is also the story from the shore. And both stories need to be told.
STEFANOVIC: Alright, appreciate your time this morning.
LINDA BURNEY
TRANSCRIPT - WEDNESDAY, 29 APRIL 2020