2010

 

The Parliament of the

Commonwealth of Australia

 

THE SENATE

 

 

 

 

Presented and read a first time

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stolen Generations Reparations Tribunal Bill 2010

 

No.      , 2010

 

(Senator Siewert)

 

 

 

A Bill for an Act to provide for the establishment of a Stolen Generations Reparations Tribunal to decide and make recommendations on claims for reparation and other matters, and for related purposes

   

   

   

Contents

Part 1—Preliminary                                                                                                              1

1............ Short title............................................................................................. 1

2............ Commencement................................................................................... 2

3............ Interpretation....................................................................................... 2

Part 2—Stolen Generations Reparations Tribunal                                            4

4............ Establishment of Tribunal................................................................... 4

5............ The Principles..................................................................................... 4

6............ Constitution of Tribunal...................................................................... 4

7............ Procedures for merit selection of appointment of Tribunal members.. 5

8............ Appointment of Tribunal members..................................................... 5

9............ Acting appointments........................................................................... 6

10.......... Functions of Tribunal.......................................................................... 8

11.......... Additional function—consideration of proposed legislation............... 8

12.......... Additional function—inquiry into prejudicial policies and practices... 9

13.......... Powers of the Tribunal...................................................................... 10

14.......... Remuneration and allowances........................................................... 11

15.......... Obligation to disclose interests before considering a particular matter 11

16.......... Outside employment......................................................................... 12

17.......... Leave of absence............................................................................... 12

18.......... Resignation....................................................................................... 12

19.......... Termination of appointment.............................................................. 12

20.......... Other terms and conditions............................................................... 13

Part 3—Claims for reparation or ex gratia payment                                      14

21.......... Entitlement to reparation.................................................................... 14

22.......... Form of claim.................................................................................... 14

23.......... Representation before Tribunal......................................................... 14

24.......... Procedure of Tribunal....................................................................... 15

25.......... Circumstances in which hearing may be dispensed with................... 15

26.......... Hearings to be in public except in special circumstances................... 15

27.......... Participation by telephone etc............................................................ 16

28.......... Forms of reparation........................................................................... 16

29.......... Ex gratia payments............................................................................ 18

30.......... Eligibility criteria for an ex gratia payment or reparation................... 19

31.......... Time for completion of assessment of claims.................................... 20

32.......... Application of the Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1977 20

Part 4—Stolen Generations Fund                                                                               21

33.......... Establishment of Stolen Generations Fund....................................... 21

Part 5—Organisation and administration of Tribunal                                  22

34.......... Registrar............................................................................................ 22

35.......... Other staff of the Tribunal................................................................. 23

36.......... Statutory Agency etc. for purposes of Public Service Act................ 23

37.......... Engagement of consultants etc.......................................................... 24

38.......... Management of administrative affairs of Tribunal............................. 24

39.......... Arrangement of business.................................................................. 25

40.......... Places of sitting................................................................................. 25

Part 6—Miscellaneous                                                                                                        26

41.......... Protection from liability..................................................................... 26

42.......... Confidentiality................................................................................... 26

43.......... Annual reports.................................................................................. 26

44.......... Death of claimant.............................................................................. 26

45.......... Regulations....................................................................................... 27

 

A Bill for an Act to provide for the establishment of a Stolen Generations Reparations Tribunal to decide and make recommendations on claims for reparation and other matters, and for related purposes

The Parliament of Australia enacts: