NT Government Has Conflicting Positions On Customary Law

The Chief Minister now has two conflicting positions on Customary Law. The communiqué issued by CoAG reflecting all Australian Governments is at odds with what the Clare Martin is now saying. In the communiqué all heads of Government agreed to:

The law's response to family and community violence and sexual abuse must reflect the seriousness of such crimes. COAG agreed that no customary law or cultural practice excuses, justifies, authorises, requires, or lessens the seriousness of violence or sexual abuse. All jurisdictions agree that their laws will reflect this, if necessary by future amendment.

After signing up to this the Chief Minister said that there was no need to amend any Territory laws to meet the terms of this communiqué.

"Wrong, wrong and wrong,” Jodeen Carney said today.

"Customary law in all its guises is used frequently in the Territory Courts in an attempt to reduce or excuse an offender's criminality.

"When interviewed on Lateline, Dr Rogers said that she was 'taken aback at how much emphasis was placed on customary law in terms of placing the offender in the best light, and how it closed off the voices of Aboriginal Women'.

"Clare Martin is clearly saying one thing in Canberra and another in Darwin,” Ms Carney said.

"Small wonder Matthew Bonson accused the Chief Minister of generating hatred in the community. She simply cannot be trusted.”

2006-07-18