Territories Stolen Generations Redress Scheme

What is redress?

Redress, sometimes called reparations, is an important step towards healing for Stolen Generations survivors.

It acknowledges the trauma caused by the forced removal of First Nations children from their families and communities.

Redress provides an opportunity for survivors to tell their story, and receive compensation, an apology, and practical support to be in charge of their own healing.

There are two redress schemes that may be relevant to First Nations peoples:

1. The Territories Stolen Generations Redress scheme for survivors removed as children from the Northern Territory, ACT, or Jervis Bay. Information on this page is about the Territories Stolen Generations Redress scheme.
2. The National Redress Scheme for people who have experienced institutional child sexual abuse. Click here to learn more about the National Redress Scheme.

Some states have launched state-based redress schemes, including NSW (closed 30 June 2022), Victoria (open until 31 March 2027), Tasmania (now closed) and South Australia (now closed).

What is the Territories Stolen Generations Redress Scheme?

The Territories Stolen Generations Redress Scheme was announced in August 2021, as a financial and wellbeing package to support Stolen Generations survivors who were removed from their families and communities in the Northern Territory, the ACT, and Jervis Bay.

Applications are open now until 28 February 2026.

Who can apply?

Stolen Generations survivors who were removed from their family and community:

• before the age of 18
• by government or non-government agencies, including police, churches and missions, or welfare agencies
• while living in:
  • the NT before 1 July 1978
  • the Jervis Bay Territory
  • the ACT before 11 May 1989

 If you have recently lost a family member who was a Stolen Generations survivor, you can apply on their behalf if they passed away after the scheme was announced on 5 August 2021.

What is included?

• up to $75,000 as a single payment
• a healing assistance payment of $7,000, which can be used to cover funeral costs and going back to Country
• free practical and emotional support
• the option, if you choose, to speak with a government official about the impacts of being removed from family, community, and culture, and to have this acknowledged with a face-to-face or written apology.

How do I apply?

Anybody wanting to access redress will need to apply.

You can apply directly to the scheme or through your local Link-Ups and some Stolen Generations organisations, who can support you with your application.

Click here for a list of organisations in your local area that can assist with making an application, free legal support, and financial counselling.

It’s up to you how you apply – by paper or online – and support is available at all times during an application.

If you choose, you can have a trusted support person – such as a family member or a close friend – inquire and apply on your behalf. You won’t be asked to speak in person about your experience.

Applications are open from 1 March 2022 to 28 February 2026. Only one application can be made to the scheme.

How long will my application take?

Application times can vary, and it may take up to a year for an application to be processed. Support is available to you during this time. Click here for a list of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations you can contact.

Who can I talk to about applying?

Redress can be a difficult topic to talk about, or it may be difficult to know where to begin. You do not need to approach redress alone.

Culturally safe and supportive Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations are available to support you at all times during an application.

Click here for a list of organisations in your local area that can assist with understanding redress, making an application, and emotional support.

What happens once I apply?

Once you apply, someone from the Territories Stolen Generations Redress Scheme will get in touch to let you know they have received your application or ask for more information if needed.

If you would like to add further information to your application, you can do so by calling 1800 566 111 or emailing help@territoriesredress.gov.au