Addressing the Denial of Land to Aboriginal Soldiers
The Yoorrook Justice Commission has brought to light the ongoing anger in Victoria's First Nations communities about the denial of land to most Aboriginal people who fought for Australia in the First and Second World Wars. This denial stands as a stark reminder of the ongoing injustices faced by Indigenous Australians.
The inquiry heard evidence of the discrimination faced by Aboriginal veterans like Stewart Murray, who fought for Australia in World War II but was denied land upon his return. His granddaughter, Ngarra Murray, spoke to the inquiry about her family's history and the ongoing impact of this injustice.
Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Natalie Hutchins acknowledged the disgraceful treatment of returned First Nations soldiers and the need for healing. She noted that only two of the 12,000 Victorian soldiers allocated land under the soldier settlement scheme were Aboriginal, despite an estimated 1,000 eligible First Nations soldiers across both wars.
The inquiry also heard how the trauma was worsened when land was taken from Aboriginal reserves and redistributed to non-Aboriginal returned soldiers. This "another wave of dispossession" further offended and angered Aboriginal people.
Commissioner Anthony North KC questioned the delay in addressing this historic injustice, stating that it should not be difficult to address. Ms. Hutchins indicated that Victoria could proceed with some sort of redress scheme without the federal government's support, but that further consultation would be needed.
The denial of land to Aboriginal soldiers is a wound that requires healing. Addressing this injustice is essential for reconciliation and ensuring that all Australians are treated with respect and dignity.