A class action brought against the Queensland Government will attempt to prove a breach of trust in the state’s handling of wages held in trust on behalf of First Nations workers.
The Aboriginals Preservation and Protection Act 1939 governed the lives of Murris up until 1972, and enabled the state to hold First Nations workers’ wages in trust.
But rather than keep those wages safe, the government stands accused of mishandling and withholding the money.
To date, the Queensland Government has made two attempts at reparations, however payouts have proved to be a fraction of the estimated $500 million which is believed to outstanding.
Bottoms English Lawyers, based in Cairns, are representing a class action of around 300 claimants, with the potential of thousands more to join.
Principal Director at BE Law, John Bottoms says they will be asking that claimants be paid what they are owed, in today’s terms.
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