NT Minister Avoids Tennant Creek Teachers

The Territory Opposition has accused the Treasurer, Delia Lawrie, of arrogance for refusing to meet with striking teachers in Tennant Creek during a visit to the town last week.

The Tennant and District Times (23 May 2008) reports that the Treasurer’s trip to Tennant Creek to promote her budget coincided with a stop work meeting by striking teachers but she refused a request to meet briefly with the teachers.

“As the Minister directly responsible for public employment it is staggering that the Treasurer would turn down an opportunity to hear for herself why teachers in Tennant Creek are striking,” says Terry Mills, Leader of the Opposition.

“God forbid that she might find such a meeting uncomfortable or worse learn why the Government’s current offer to teachers is woefully inadequate.

“She’s happy to spend taxpayer’s money on promoting her budget but refuses to meet and consider the genuine grievances of Territory teachers.

“The Treasurer’s failure to listen to the concerns of Tennant Creek teachers mocks the Government’s claims that it is the teachers who have cut off negotiations.

“This arrogant refusal demonstrates just how far out of touch this Government has become.”

2008-05-28