This Queensland hospital was built with stolen wages. Almost 60 years later, they've apologised

The wages of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were used to build Redcliffe Hospital in 1965.

Metro North Health Executive staff unveiling the plaque alongside respected Elders Uncle Gary Cobbo, Uncle David Wragge, and Uncle Roger Knox. Credit: A&TSILT Communications

Redcliffe Hospital has apologised for using the stolen wages of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to build the institution.

During Reconciliation Week, the Queensland hospital hosted a ceremony where a permanent plaque was placed at the institution and a formal apology was delivered.

“I acknowledge the direct impact the stolen wages have had on many Metro North Health Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and community members," said Acting Chief Executive of Metro North Health Jane Hancock.

"I am honoured to have taken part in the unveiling of this plaque at Redcliffe Hospital, an important permanent reminder of this history.”

Ms Hancock noted that Redcliffe is one of the "first Hospital and Health Services within the state to acknowledge the use of stolen wages".

Redcliffe Hospital was built in 1965, in a period when the Department of Native Affairs used the wages of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers to offset government and departmental revenue. This was done through debentured loans to other agencies and corporate bodies.

This meant stolen wages were used to build government infrastructure across Queensland, including the development of hospitals.

The apology was delivered to a crowd of many, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, community members and staff.

Elders proudly showcasing the new plaque at Redcliffe Hospital. Credit: A&TSILT, Communications

In attendance was proud Yidinji woman and Metro North Executive Director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Sherry Holzapfel.

“Many of us have direct connections within our families of those affected by stolen wages and past government policies," she said.

The hurt and pain this has caused is momentous and carried through the generations.

“Today was our chance to publicly recognise the historical injustices associated with stolen wages. While we can’t re-write this painful history, we can now walk alongside each other in healing and reconciliation.”

Aunty Lesley Williams and Sherry Holzapfel, Executive Director, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health. Credit: A&TSILT, Communications

Award-winning author and campaigner for Justice for Aboriginal Workers, Aunty Lesley Williams said there weren't "enough words" to articulate what the event acknowledged.

"Today was so special and so meaningful for me. I first saw all this information when I started my research back in 1991-92. To think that the old people are with us today, in spirit, to know that all the money they worked for withheld in trust went into build places like Redcliffe Hospital,” Aunty Lesley said.

She hopes this spurs a movement for other hospitals across the state.

“It’s been a long time coming. A lot of hard work has gone into it, but at the end of the day it’s happening, and it’s happening in our lifetime, and I know the old people would be pleased looking down, and their spirits are with us today.”