Vic: Victorian man set to sue for stolen gen compensation

AAP General News (Australia)
02-15-2008
Vic: Victorian man set to sue for stolen gen compensation

MELBOURNE, Feb 15 AAP - A man plans to sue the Victorian government in the state's
first stolen generation claim, just days after Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's historic apology.

Reservoir man Neville Austin, 44, will launch Victoria's first stolen generation claim,
News Limited newspapers reported today.

The suit could trigger legal action by indigenous people around Australia, the newspaper said.

Mr Austin said he was taken from his mother in 1964, just five months old, after he
was admitted to the Royal Children's Hospital with a chest infection.

He lived in foster homes and orphanages, where he was ostracised for the colour of
his skin, the newspaper said.

His solicitors have briefed barrister Jack Rush, QC, who was part of the legal team
that won a $4 billion payout from James Hardie Industries for former workers exposed to
lethal doses of asbestos.

Kristen Hilton, executive director of Public Interest Clearing House, which has been
handling stolen generation claims, would not comment on Mr Austin's case but indicated
litigation was under way, the newspaper said.

"We see 'sorry', the gesture, as one part of the reparation process," she said.

"It acknowledges a wrong has been done and that wrong requires a remedy. We are investigating
what remedy."

Mr Austin's writ is yet to be filed with the court and does not nominate a payout figure,
but claimants in other states have won between $350,000 and $500,000.

Fellow Victorian Bruce Trevorrow won $775,000 when a South Australian court ruled his
removal from his family caused long-term depression.

A writ has been drawn up but is yet to be filed with the courts.

Mr Austin declined to comment but his cousin Lyn, of Stolen Generations Victoria, said
up to 100 other aborigines were considering legal action.

AAP jrd/jfm

KEYWORD: SORRY VIC COMPO

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