Greens call on Bligh to get serious on stolen wages

The Queensland Greens today described the Bligh government’s announcement of an increased offer of compensation to Indigenous workers or their descendants as woefully inadequate.

Greens spokesperson Libby Connors said the offer of $7,000 was a long way below what was due to these workers and continued the process of putting Indigenous people at the end of the list when it came to government priorities.

“No worker should have to put up with this historic wrong,” Dr Connors said.

“This is not only about Indigenous rights; it is also a wage justice issue.”

Dr Connors also called on the Bligh government to restore Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs to a separate portfolio and to make it clear through revitalised services to Indigenous people and their communities that their concerns would receive higher priority in future.

“The Bligh government lacks credibility with all Queenslanders who have a progressive view of politics and their mean-spirited approach to Aboriginal and TI affairs is a good reflection of this,” Dr Connors said.
 

Contact:  Libby Connors 0429 487 110