Outline:
Aboriginal Land Councils Condemn NT Government Policies
The four Aboriginal land councils in the Northern Territory have come together to strongly criticize the Country Liberal Party government, accusing it of overt racism and human rights violations. In a rare joint press conference, these councils expressed their frustration over policies that they claim disregard and undermine the rights of Aboriginal people.
Since the NT government took office in August, following a campaign focused on reducing crime rates, it has introduced several new laws aimed at tightening bail conditions and cracking down on youth offenders. As a result, the incarceration rate in the territory has increased by approximately 30 per cent.
Barbara Shaw, the deputy chair of the Central Land Council, highlighted the alarming rise in Aboriginal imprisonment rates, describing it as “stacking and racking.” She emphasized that Aboriginal people are the most incarcerated group in the Northern Territory and criticized the government for not listening to elders or taking children back to their communities.
Earlier this week, an official from the NT’s Aboriginal legal aid service revealed that children as young as 11 years old are being held in police watch houses overnight, with lights on 24 hours a day and adults screaming in nearby cells.
Government Policies Seen as Racist
The Northern Land Council, Central Land Council, Tiwi Land Council, and Anindiliyakwa Land Council represent Aboriginal communities across the Top End and Central Australia. Despite their significant role in NT affairs, the leaders of these councils stated that their advice and aspirations for their people have been consistently ignored.
Matt Ryan, the chair of the Northern Land Council, described the government’s new policies as “appalling” and claimed that none of them are currently effective. He emphasized that their human rights have been disregarded.
The NT government has stated that its policies have led to some improvements in property crime, including burglaries. When asked if the policies contained overt racism against Aboriginal people, Ryan was unequivocal: “There is — let me be very honest, there is — no buts about it.”
Calls for Audit of Federal Funds
In their statement, the land councils called for an audit of all federal government money spent by the NT government to ensure it is having a positive impact on Aboriginal communities. Federal funds make up more than 70 per cent of the NT’s annual budget.
“We all want to see [an audit] happen,” Ryan said. He questioned where the money is being spent and whether it is being used wisely. He argued that funds should be directed towards community programs rather than building new prisons.
The land councils also urged progress towards an independent investigation into racism within the NT Police Force, following the recent Kumanjayi Walker inquest. Ryan mentioned that while the councils want to work with the acting police commissioner, there has been no movement so far.
Lack of Consultation with Remote Communities
Austin Wonaeamirri, the deputy chair of the Tiwi Land Council and a former AFL player, pointed out that a major failure of the current administration is the lack of consultation with remote Aboriginal communities. He noted that the gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities is widening.
In response to the land councils’ concerns, NT Aboriginal Affairs Minister Steve Edgington released a 600-word statement highlighting ongoing work and consultation between his government and the four land councils, as well as with remote communities. He mentioned collaboration with Aboriginal Peak Organisations (APO NT), which include the four land councils, on Closing the Gap initiatives.
Edgington emphasized that the government is working in partnership with Aboriginal people to empower communities and give them a greater say. He stated that this approach creates opportunities for local community members to lead and contribute, enabling them to play a more active role in community development and decision-making processes.
He concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to continuing engagement and consultation with community members and wider stakeholders in regional and remote areas across the territory.