Northern Territory Government Brough Backdown

The mounting pressure on Clare Martin to attend the Brough Summit on Aboriginal Law and Order has seen some progress, according to Opposition Leader Jodeen Carney.

“It is disappointing that, as head of the Territory Government, the Chief Minister has refused to attend the summit, especially as she is the Indigenous Affairs Minister. However, at least the Territory will be represented”, Ms Carney said.

“The Police Minister’s quibbling over the terms of reference outlined by Minister Brough is a fairly weak attempt to cover for the tactical mistake of calling the summit ‘a waste of time’, however, I repeat that at least someone from the Government is going” Ms Carney said.

“Territorians will still ask whether the Chief Minister is serious about working with the Federal Minister in a bi-partisan way for the best interests of the women and children who are the victims of these serious sexual assaults in these communities. She has a lot of ground to make up”, Ms Carney said.

“While one or two of Clare Martin’s Ministers will attend the summit, I urge her to look at the plan that I developed and forwarded to her last week. Although I have heard nothing yet, I would hope that she will take the time to look at what I have proposed and respond to it”, Ms Carney said.

“The response from the Territory must be driven from the top not from the third level down. Nevertheless, I trust that Ministers Henderson and Toyne will do what they can to make a difference despite of their Chief Minister’s reluctance.”

2006-05-24