Independent Assessment Panel Member, Stolen Generations Reparations Unit

About the board

On 31 March 2022, the Victorian Government opened the Stolen Generations Reparations Package (Package). The Package delivers eligible applicants financial and non-financial reparations and seeks to help address the trauma and suffering caused by the forced removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families, community, culture, identity, and language. More information on the Package is available here.

The Package seeks to promote principles of Aboriginal self-determination and avoiding any further harm to and re-traumatisation of Stolen Generations people.

The Department established the Independent Assessment Panel (Panel) to support the administration of the Package. The Panel operates at arm's length of the department to determine whether applictions to the Package should be eligible. The Panel ensures the involvement and leadership of Aboriginal and Stolen Generations in decisions about reparations.

About the role

The Panel determines the eligibility of applications to the Package and, in its capacity as a Review Panel, reconsiders the eligibility of applications found ineligible for the Package.

The primary function of a Panel Member is to attend meetings of and participate in the deliberations of the Panel in accordance with the Stolen Generations Reparations Guidelines (Guidelines). A copy of the Guidelines can be accessed here.

Panel Members must review and assess applicants in a manner that reflects the objectives and policy purpose of the Package.

Key accountabilities of the Panel include:

• Make fair, independent, consistent decisions

• Demonstrating a sound understanding of Panel governance and relevant Package guidance and policies

• Reviewing and assessing all Package applications to determine whether  applications meet the  eligibility criteria

• Advising on whether an ineligible applicant for the Package should repay an Advance Payment

• At the request of an Applicant or the Department, reviewing an application for the Package that has been assessed as ineligible, and

Any other functions prescribed in the Guidelines or by the Chair.

The Panel meets for half-day sittings on a monthly basis or as required to ensure timely outcomes for applicants or to constitute a Review Panel. In accordance with the Guidelines, the Panel may also make decisions out of session.

Who we're looking for

We are seeking panel members who:

• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of Aboriginal cultures and societies, particularly Stolen Generations history and experiences

• Bring a commitment to Stolen Generations, and the Package’s purpose and principles  

• Demonstrate applied knowledge of trauma informed principles

• Maintain a thorough understanding of and comply with the Panel Terms of Reference (Attached).

Applicants will have expertise in any of the following:

• decision-making on complex matters

• public administration

• policy development

• advocacy

• law, and/or

• redress schemes

How to express your interest

Applications should include a resume and short covering letter outlining your suitability for the role.

Strong applicants will

• Demonstrate relevant skills and experience in relation to the selection criteria and provide practical examples to support this

• Explain their interest and motivations in the role 

• Demonstrate an understanding of the policy purpose of the Package

• Explain the relevance of any skills, training or experience (including professional and/or lived experience) in a way that demonstrates a clear appreciation of the role

Subject to achieving an appropriate balance of skills and experience and gender diversity, the Department will seek to appoint a majority of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people as Panel members, with preference given to the appointment of people with lived experience of the Stolen Generations.