Interim payments among latest orders in NT Stolen wages class action
A number of Territorians who weren’t paid properly for nearly 40 years are beginning to get their cut of a $202 million payout – with some set to receive more than others.
Police & Courts
Don't miss out on the headlines from Police & Courts. Followed categories will be added to My News.
More than 7000 Territorians who worked for little or no pay for nearly 40 years have been deemed eligible to receive $10,000 from a $202 million payout for their years of unpaid toil as part of a class-action lawsuit.
Just before Christmas, Federal Court Chief Justice Debra Mortimer ordered interim payments of $10,000 be made to eligible claimants as part of a class action seeking compensation for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Territorians.
The class action was filed by Shine Lawyers and lead applicant Minnie MacDonald, who is seeking compensation for herself and others who worked for little or no pay in the NT between 1933 and 1971 while subject to wage control legislation.
The class action was brought against the Commonwealth government in 2021.
Judge Mortimer has awarded Ms MacDonald $30,000, while other applicants have been awarded $5000 and $10,000.
In November, the court heard 7519 had registered for the class action so far.
Of the 7519, 800 applicants were alive during the period, the court heard.
The class action is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers born before 12 November 1961 who worked in the NT between June 1, 1933 and November 12, 1971 for little or no wages.
Families of workers who fit the eligible criteria have also joined the class action.
In September, the federal government agreed to pay $202m towards the suit.
Of the $202m, $7m has been set aside for administration costs, while $15m is going towards legal costs.
After the November hearing, Judge Mortimer appointed Deloitte as administrator and approved its estimated costs of $1.8 million.
On December 20, she appointed Michael McCarthy and Tom Hutton of Hutton McCarthy as legal advisers to the administrator.
Also on December 20, Judge Mortimer ordered the interim payments be made to eligible claimants “as soon as practicable,” with an appeal date set for January 27, 2025.
Another hearing for the class action will be held in 2025.
Traumatised Top End teacher loses compo bid
A Top End teacher scarred from the threats from her teenage students has taken a workers’ compensation battle all the way to the NT Supreme Court of Appeal.
WATCH: Footage shows moment alleged car thief caught by police
Footage of the moment Northern Territory police made a dramatic arrest in relation to an allegedly stolen car has been released. SEE THE VIDEO.