Fed: Gillard reiterates no compo for stolen generations

AAP General News (Australia)
02-15-2008
Fed: Gillard reiterates no compo for stolen generations

MELBOURNE, Feb 15 AAP - The federal government says it remains opposed to compensation
for the stolen generation, despite plans for Victoria's first stolen generation claim.

Days after Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's historic apology, Reservoir man Neville Austin,
44, revealed plans to launch an action against Victoria in the first case of its kind.

His barrister Jack Rush QC said he had been working on the case with Mr Austin for 12 months.

But Acting Prime Minister Julia Gillard today reiterated the government's stance against
compensation.

"We have said no to compensation, there have been people who have asked the federal
government to create a national compensation fund," Ms Gillard told Fairfax Radio Network.

But she said she would have to check with Attorney-General Robert McClelland to see
if the government would be specifically represented in the Austin case.

The head of Stolen Generations Victoria and Mr Austin's cousin, Lyn Austin, said while
she could not comment on Mr Austin's case, dozens more were preparing similar claims.

"I cannot make comment on that case at all, but ... I do know that there are another
30 or 40 that are going to be doing a civil action claim," she told ABC radio in Melbourne.

AAP gr/ce/jt/bwl

KEYWORD: SORRY GILLARD

2008 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.