Shine Lawyers has launched legal action on behalf of thousands of Indigenous Australians in Western Australia whose wages were unjustly withheld or not paid as a result of wage control legislation in effect until 1972.
We have also launched a Northern Territory Stolen Wages Class Action.
What is the Western Australia Stolen Wages Class Action about?
A class action has been filed on behalf of Indigenous Australians who worked in Western Australia whose wages were unjustly withheld or not paid as a result of wage control legislation in effect from the late 1800s until the 1970s. It is estimated that tens of thousands of indigenous workers across Australia never received their wages.
Legislation was implemented to control the employment and wages of Indigenous Australians. Affected workers were employed in many different industries and held roles such as stockmen, farm hands, laundry assistants, kitchen hands, labourers and domestic workers.
It is estimated millions in stolen or unpaid wages could be owed. This case aims to ensure anyone impacted is able to recover their stolen wages.
Can I join the Western Australia Stolen Wages Class Action?
To be a part of this class action:
- You are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Person; and
- Between 1936 and 1972 you lived in Western Australia and worked at some time or had your property controlled in that period; and/or
- You are representing a family member who qualifies and has since passed away
If you meet the criteria above, and you would like to talk to someone about your options, you can contact us and speak to a lawyer who may be able to help you to recover your family's wages.
How to register for the Western Australia Stolen Wages Class Action
To register for the Western Australia Stolen Wages Class Action on a no-cost, obligation-free and completely confidential basis, please click the ‘Register Now’ button below and fill out the registration form.
Background
Shine Lawyers is proud to work with, and have the support of Litigation Lending Services in this case. Litigation Lending Services funded the Hans Pearson v State of Queensland, Class Action, which on Tuesday, 9 July 2019 achieved a $190 million in-principle settlement, marking an important step in the national reconciliation process.
You can read more of Hans Pearson's story here.
Litigation Lending Services is also funding the Stolen Wages Class Action in the Northern Territory and the Stolen Generation Class Action in the Northern Territory.
Case Documents
Who is Shine Lawyers’ Class Action Team?
Shine Lawyers’ Class Action Team includes some of the firm’s most experienced solicitors and support staff. The team includes:
