Stolen Wages

Between 1905 and 1972 up to 75 per cent of money earned by Aboriginal people was forcibly withheld by the state. The money was placed into trust accounts but in most cases disappeared. For many years Aboriginal people have been calling for the return of their money. There has been a senate inquiry and a state inquiry into the matter. In 2012 the WA Government agreed to pay some claimants $2000 to settle the issue. Many people were not eligible to collect the funds despite having worked for many years without receiving wages. This short six-minute documentary looks at the issue and the ongoing fight for compensation.