The statements below are Shine Lawyers’s account of this case. They reflect allegations or the firm’s position and have not been determined by a court unless a settlement or judgment is noted.
Latest update
All payments to group members in the Settlement Administration of the Northern Territory Stolen Generations Class Action have been paid. No further payments will be made. The Class Action and the Settlement Administration are now finalised. In August 2022, Shine Lawyers reached a settlement with the Commonwealth in the Northern Territory Stolen Generations Class Action of $50.45 million. On 17 April 2023, the Supreme Court of New South Wales made orders approving the settlement amount and the settlement distribution scheme which determined how compensation is distributed to members of this class action Distribution payments of the Settlement Sum were processed to eligible group members over three months in November 2024 – January 2025. Final distribution payments of the Settlement Sum and interest were paid to eligible group members in September 2025. No further payments will be made.
Source: Shine Lawyers
About This Case
The Northern Territory Stolen Generations Class Action was a legal action launched on behalf of the Stolen Generations of the Northern Territory who were forcibly removed from their families as children and have since passed away, as well as the carers and siblings of those Removed Children.
Source: Shine Lawyers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a class action?
When Governments, large companies or institutions do the wrong thing and people are harmed or suffer loss as a result, an individual can have little to no means of bringing a legal claim. Class actions are an important mechanism within Australia’s legal system that allow large groups of people to come together to pursue a claim collectively. For a class action to take place, there are three criteria that need to be met: there must be 7 or more people that have claims against the same defendant; and the claims relate to the same or similar circumstances; and the claim must relate to at least one common issue of law or fact. For more information about how class actions resolve, click here.
How long do class actions take to resolve?
It can take up to several years for a class action to resolve. The time taken from case commencement through to resolution and settlement administration depends on the particular case, and the nature of the claim. For more information about class actions and how they work, click here.
Does it cost anything to join a class action?
Shine Lawyers is committed to ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background or financial situation, has access to justice. We run our class actions in a way that means you are not exposed to any out-of-pocket costs or financial risk. When a class action is successful, the legal fees and costs to run the class action are deducted from the settlement amount that is approved by the Court. If the class action is unsuccessful, we will ensure there are no out-of-pocket costs to you.
Will my contact details be kept private?
Yes, your contact details will remain confidential. Shine Lawyers will only use your personal information strictly for the purpose of any legal proceedings and in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
Source: Shine Lawyers
Disclaimer: This information is sourced from Shine Lawyers. It is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify details with the original source before taking any action.
Legal disclaimer: Information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. ClaimBar tracks class action settlements and provides updates. Always seek professional legal advice for your specific circumstances.
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