What to Know About the WA Stolen Wages Settlement

What is the WA Stolen Wages Settlement?

The Western Australian Government settled a legal claim that supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who worked in Western Australia for little or no wages between 1936 and 1972.

Outdated WA government policies allowed the government to take or withhold up to 75% of Aboriginal people’s wages during this time.

Shine Lawyers launched a three-year class action which settled in early November 2023. As of 27 November 2023, the settlement is still subject to approval from the Federal Court.

A public apology and acknowledgement will be delivered in the Western Australian Parliament to the surviving and deceased workers on 28 November 2023.

You might be eligible under the settlement if…?

Aboriginal people whose wages were withheld by the WA government from 1936 to 1972 may be eligible under the settlement. 

If an eligible worker has passed away, that worker’s spouse or children may be able to receive payment instead.

If you think you are eligible but are not sure you can contact Shine Lawyers on 1800 976 150 or [email protected].

What should I do if I think I’m entitled to stolen wages under the settlement?

You can contact the lawyers on 1800 976 150 or [email protected].

Did you work in Queensland or the Northern Territory for little or no wages?

The settlement of claims of workers in Queensland is completed and all payments have been made.

The claim in the Northern Territory is still going on.  Contact Shine Lawyers if you think you may be eligible to join the class action.

If you are an artist who needs legal advice about this issue contact Arts Law.