A Brisbane-based historian who has helped lead a decades long fight to recover wages stolen from First Nations workers has welcomed the launch of a class action against the Queensland Government.
Bottoms English Lawyers, based in Cairns, has launched the court action on behalf of more than 300 First Nations workers, who had wages withheld under the Aboriginals Preservation and Protection Act 1939.
The class action will argue that the State breached the trust it owed workers, by withholding and misusing their wages.
Dr Ros Kidd has studied the issue for over 20 years and is the author of Trustees on Trial, a book revealing the extent of government control over Indigenous money and assets.
She backs the argument that the State acted as a trustee, and hopes Queensland Courts will come to the same conclusion.
John Bottoms is the Principal Director for Bottoms English Lawyers and is representing claimants in the action. He has urged victims of stolen wages in the state to come forward, or find more information at www.stolenwages.com.au
While B.E. Law is looking into Queensland’s class action, Shine Lawyers based in Melbourne, are working towards class actions in other states and territories.
Shine Lawyers partner Jan Saddler is also calling for people to come forward, particularly those in remote regions.
