A class action has been launched on behalf of potentially hundreds of indigenous Queenslanders over a stolen wage bill dating back to the 1930s.The amount is estimated to be $A500 million ($NZ514 million).
The lawsuit is being led by 77-year-old Hans Pearson who says his wages were held in a trust for 10 years during the 1950s and 1960s and never returned to him.
"Because of this policy, Mr Pearson essentially worked a decade of his life for next to no remuneration," his lawyer John Bottoms said.
Mr Pearson's nephew, indigenous leader Noel Pearson, has said the case is "as important as Mabo".
Mabo v Queensland was a landmark High Court of Australia decision recognising native title in Australia for the first time.
Historians estimate the Queensland government may owe up to $A500 million in stolen wages to indigenous workers due to wage control legislation that was in place between 1939 and 1972.
The Queensland government set up a $A55 million repatriations fund in 2002 which allowed those who had their wages stolen to claim a maximum of $A4000.
The class action was lodged yesterday and law firm Shine Lawyers is investigating the possibility of launching similar actions in other states and territories.
