The Australian
11 November 2002

Aboriginal deadline

THE Queensland Government has refused to delay a $55 million compensation offer to
Aborigines, despite an appeal from Aboriginal Social Justice Commissioner Bill Jonas 
for further consultation with indigenous communities. A spokeswoman for Aboriginal 
Affairs Minister Judy Spence said yesterday there was no reason to extend the deal.
 
In May, 16,400 people were offered up to $4000 each for those who worked between the 
1890s and 1972, when the wages and savings of most workers living in communities and
missions were controlled by the government.

(c) The Australian