Kimberley Jiyigas (Birds) was engaged by Kimberley Community Legal Services (KCLS) to research financial abuse of Aboriginal elders.

No More Humbug is the result of that work, summarising six months of intensive community and stakeholder interviews and survey work. It is the first detailed examination of this issue published in Australia.

Although this work is specific to the Kimberley, we also hope it will be transferrable and helpful to other Aboriginal communities in remote regions. This report goes together with a set of resources, including posters, animations and practical training manual, to draw attention to the issue and to explore solutions.

Humbugging

“Humbugging” is an Aboriginal term used in the Kimberley to describe when someone demands money that belongs to someone else with no intention of repaying it. ‘Resource-sharing’ is a cultural practice commonly seen among Aboriginal people. However, “humbugging” usually has a negative connotation. It is used to describe demands that are repeated, often with a threat or actual physical, emotional or psychological abuse if the person refuses. Sometimes the term is used to describe outright theft, for example when somebody uses another person’s bank card or Centrepay arrangements without their permission.

Below is the Tabled report and some posters that can be downloaded for use.

KRIOL