Unmapped Territory: Wage Compensation for Indigenous Cattle Station Workers

Abstract:     
This article traces the significant contribution made by Indigenous workers to the Northern Territory cattle industry, along with the profits that accrued to stations as a result of Aboriginal efforts and the failure of stations to remunerate them. It examines the legislative arrangements between the Government and cattle station managers that allowed the circumvention of wage payments through stations maintaining the dependants of workers. This article then considers the Government's negligent oversight of cattle stations, and the possible causes of action Indigenous workers could invoke in seeking redress in tort and equity. It goes onto highlight the conditions on cattle stations in the light of Australia's obligations under international law, which could provide a basis for a complaint to the International Labour Organization. Finally, the author argues that the most desirable mechanism for redress would be a Government compensation commission and payback scheme.

Keywords: Indigenous legal studies, Stolen Wages, Indigenous workers, Duty of care to Indigenous workers, Fiduciary duties to Indigenous workers, International law and Indigenous workers

JEL Classifications: K10, K33, K42

Accepted Paper Series