Update on Stolen Wages Class Action
The Western Australian Stolen Wages Class Action was brought on behalf of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who weren’t paid all their wages or money between 1936 and 1972. The State Government has agreed to pay up to $180.4 million to eligible Aboriginal workers or their surviving spouses and children who register. The settlement has been agreed to by the State, however has not yet been formally approved by the Court.
More information is available on website of the lawyers who have brought the class action, Shine Lawyers, or at this link: https://shinestore.blob.core.windows.net/shine-lawyers-pdfs/WA_Stolen_Wages_Class_Action/Stolen_Wages_WA_Further_Updated_Settlement_Notice.pdf.
The deadline for registration passed on 30 September 2024, however the Court may still approve late registrations that are received before the class action is formally approved by the Court. The Federal Court will hold an hearing to approve the settlement next week on 28 – 29 October 2024.
If you think that you, your spouse (husband or wife), or your parents may be eligible to receive compensation from the settlement, you need to register. If you have not yet registered, you should still lodge a registration form with Shine. Registrations can be lodged online via Shine Lawyers Website: https://wastolenwages.shine.com.au/Registration, by calling 1800 976 150 or emailing wastolenwages@shine.com.au.
It’s important to get in contact with Shine Lawyers as soon as possible, even though the deadline has passed, because your registration may still be accepted for a couple of reasons:
Registrations may be accepted if it is lodged before the settlement is formally approved by the Court.
Shine Lawyers will be seeking to extend the registration deadline.
The settlement allows late registration after the settlement has been formally approved, if you are the child or spouse of someone who is entitled to compensation but has passed away.
The Federal Court may grant permission for anyone to register late after the settlement has been formally approved, however you may have to apply to the Court yourself for that permission.