Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
A lot on the agenda and we would usually catch
up with the opposition leader on a Tuesday, but she
has been out in boro Lula. Lea Fanocchiaro joins me
on the line right now. Good morning to you, Leah.
Speaker 2 (00:11):
Good morning Katie, and to your listeners.
Speaker 1 (00:13):
Leah. I saw on the socials that you had planned
to actually head well to the local police station out
there in boro Lula, but you weren't allowed in What
was the situation.
Speaker 2 (00:24):
Oh, it's so pathetic, Katie. The police minister really is
reaching new lows at the moment now for those who
aren't aware the opposition. Every time we want to go
and speak to public servants or go into a government
building like a health center or a police station, we
have to get approval from the minister, and so I
thought that approval in advance. I was going to borrow Lulla.
(00:44):
I'd love to go and see the police out there.
Of course, I'm also the shadow Minister for Police, so
it's important that I am able to facilitated to do
my job. And the Police Minister rejected me for his
second time. This is the second time I've been out
to bor Rolula in twelve months, and for the second
time she's knocked me back because she herself has not
(01:05):
taken the time to go out there.
Speaker 1 (01:07):
So what was the reasons behind it? From her perspective
in there?
Speaker 2 (01:11):
She just said no, she hadn't been out there to
see them, and she wants to go out there before
I go out there. But I've been out there twice.
Did you so have you given block?
Speaker 1 (01:21):
Did you were you in a situation where you gave
plenty of notice or was this something that was sort
of sprung upon them at the last minute.
Speaker 2 (01:28):
No plenty of notice, Katie. And it wasn't an operational decision.
It wasn't a decision from police because they were busy
or they were out on community. This just came straight
back down from the Police Minister's office saying, no, the
police minister had not yet visited Bora Lulla and I'm
not allowed to visit any police station before she has
visited them. I mean, this is the same police minister
(01:48):
that blocked me out of visiting Tenant Creek Police station
last year. A couple of weeks ago, she wouldn't let
me put a photo of the police graduation up on
Facebook because she was in it, and she didn't give
me permission to use her photo. I mean, this is
a government that has completely lost the plot. It's in
total chaos and forgetting about the real reason we're all here,
and that's to make the territory a better place for everyone.
(02:11):
That's the important part of my job to speak to
police when I'm out in.
Speaker 1 (02:15):
About and so what exactly what were you hoping for
when going out to Bora Lula and visiting the police
station out there.
Speaker 2 (02:23):
So it's really important when I'm out across the territory
to visit the police station and to speak to the
members about the issues they're seeing on the ground in
those communities, the crime rates, patterns that they're seeing, and
then of course talk to them about what's important to them.
Look at the infrastructure as well, so to understand we've
got some quite old facilities across the territory and to
(02:45):
be seeing the operational environment that police have to work
in the cells they might have watchhouses, vehicles, things like that.
So housing as well, police housing is really important, particularly
when you're out remote. When I go and visit a
police station, they are the types of things I talk
to police about and have a look around to see
(03:05):
with my own eyes so that, you know, it helps
me understand where the priorities of a government that I lead,
you know, would need to pay attention to Lilla.
Speaker 1 (03:13):
There will be some people asking this morning whether you
are doing some of these things to get a headline
and to get a rise from the police minister.
Speaker 2 (03:22):
No I contacted the police minister thought approval to go
to the police station. If she had come back and
said yes, I would have gone to the police station
and no one would even know that I was there.
You know, we would have just been me doing my job.
But instead I'm holding them to account and making sure
Territorians understand just how petty and pathetic this government is
(03:44):
in trying to stop the opposition leader the shadow minutes
different police from going to Borlalla Police station, thanking them
for doing a great job and finding out how we
can all help them to continue to serve and protect
our community.
Speaker 1 (03:56):
Well, let's hope that you're able to get out there
sometime soon and go and see those officers. Now, Leah,
this morning, we know that the Northern Territory government have
announced that they are well. They're certainly saying that it
is all in an effort to improve its justice response.
To domestic and family violence. So basically, the Justice Legislation
(04:18):
Bill for twenty twenty three has been released for consultation.
The reforms, they say, provide a more consistent and specialized
focus on victim safety and offender accountability to help reduce
the cycle of violence. Now, we know that domestic violence
is a huge scourge here in the Northern Territory. Nearly
every day we see different statements come out from the
(04:41):
Northern Territory Police of the horrendous domestic violence incidents that
go on. We are told that, you know, those callouts
for our Northern Territory Police each and every day to
amiss to those domestic violence incidents are taking up a
huge amount of resources. How do you think these changes
to the legislation are going to impact the territory?
Speaker 2 (05:04):
Well, hopefully in a positive way. We know in our
Springs domestic violence is up forty eight percent. In Catherine
it's up fifty eight percent. So this is a chronic
issue across the territory and it's not only the impact
on the victims, but of course on the children of
those families and the broader family unit and the community.
So it's a massive issue that needs to be tackled.
(05:27):
We know this government didn't deal with the ending of
Stronger futures properly and the increased access to alcohols reached
havoc across the territory. But to know that they've put
out a discussion paper is positive. It means there can
be genuine engagement across the community and particularly with the
domestic violence sector. I remember a couple of years ago
(05:48):
the government brought in DV legislation where the sector was
really concerned that it would have negative impact, and so
it was actually recommended to Parliament that that legislation not proceeds.
So this is hopefully an important opportunity for everyone to
express the pros and cons or perhaps tweak what needs
to be done. And of course that's all contingent on
government actually listening to the feedback, which we certainly hope
(06:11):
they do.
Speaker 1 (06:11):
LEA. Is there anything in particular that the COLP would
like to see included in these legislative changes.
Speaker 2 (06:18):
Well, what we want to see is that when people
are going to prison for domestic violence, we want there
to be mandated programs, and we want those programs to
be targeted at the causes of what's going on and
why someone is driving that type of behavior, and we
think it should just be you know, we think if
you're incarcerated, there should one hundred percent be an expectation
(06:39):
that you complete programs that are targeted to what you're
offending is in the first place. So yes, prevention and
all of those programs need to be there as well.
I'm not taking away from that, But what we really
want to see is for people who are in custody
sitting there every day, rather than staring at a brick
wall or learning how to become a better criminal. We
want people to be treated appropriately and have access to
(07:01):
the services they need so when they come out, we're
not sending them back in to prison because they reoffend.
Speaker 1 (07:07):
Well, let's hope that this consultation is a step in
the right direction and we do see some change when
it comes to the domestic violence rates that we have
here in the territory Leah a serious concern that has
been raised over recent days. We spoke about it extensively
on Friday with various businesses that were impacted. It is
the issue of crime that is being experienced in Catherine
(07:29):
right now. It's a real concern. We are being told
that there's a mob that's ruling the town and it's
wreaking havoc on locals. Leah. The police said that they
are focusing on the town. What more needs to happen
from your perspective, Well.
Speaker 2 (07:43):
Joe Hersey, my member in Catherine, has been out on
the ground crying with these business owners who are just
desperate for action, and she's been very vocal saying there
needs to be more early intervention programs. There needs to
be better programs for young people they don't turn to
a life of crime. And Joe Hersey was actually out
(08:04):
yesterday at seven EMUs station out near Borolula, which this
government has touted as being a very prominent early intervention program.
But unfortunately, Katie, this year not a single youth has
been referred by territory families to seven EMUs stations. You
have a fantastic, fantastic facility. You know, Joe was out
(08:25):
there yes day.
Speaker 1 (08:26):
We did speak to Joe yesterday and she did say
that what's your understanding of why we're not actually seeing
any youth go through that facility.
Speaker 2 (08:34):
Well, you know, this is something government needs to explain.
They've invested three million dollars in infrastructure out there. I
believe it's around a four point five million dollar contract.
The people out there are wanting to do, you know
what they're being paid for. They're wanting to deliver services
and intervention, but territory families aren't pushing through the referrals.
It just appears like a total lack of commitment to
(08:55):
actually dealing with these kids prior to them becoming youth
of fans and that's what's really really required, and equally
putting the rights of children first. We know that this
government has an opportunity where there's care and protection issues
in a family, to ask the federal government to engage
in income management, and we just don't know whether this
(09:17):
government is actually delivering on that. It's about parental responsibility
and about ensuring that parents are taking responsibility for their
kids and doing the right thing by their kids, and
sending them to seven EMUs Station is just one example
of a terrific program that gives kids an opportunity to
really reflect on where they've come in life and where
they need to go moving forward.
Speaker 1 (09:39):
Just having to look at a few of the things
that you have said this morning, like in terms of
seven EMU Station, but also in terms of the claims
from last week. You know that we have got these
gangs of youth that are just sort of running around
in Catherine doing the wrong thing, and a lot of
people going, well, why aren't they at school or why
are they allowed to be on the streets at night?
(10:01):
I mean, are we in a situation here where there
needs to be some serious questions asked of territory families
if indeed these children are in the care of territory families,
but also in terms of why we're not utilizing some
of those different diversion programs such as seven EMU station.
Speaker 2 (10:18):
Yeah, without question, and in estimates in not next week,
the week after, we will be pouring over this issue.
Don't worry about that, listeners. It's something we're really focused
on because you've got a government talking the talk but
not walking the walk. If we have not had a
single youth diverted to seven EMUs this year, then something
major is going on. If we have youth out on
(10:39):
the street in the middle of the night and our
police are powerless to do anything about that, we have
a major issue again with territory families from a care
and protection of children's standpoint, because it is not safe
for children to be out on the street. It is
not safe for children to be engaging in crime. And
we have an issue again with and this is all
comes back to Kate Warden, the police and territory families.
Minute he spends more time chasing me around and stopping
(11:03):
me doing things than doing her own job. There's a
major breakdown here, Katie. This government does not know what
to do with this situation. But people's lives are being
destroyed because of it. Both the kids who haven't had
the opportunity to be in a safer environment and lead
a healthier life going forward, and all the businesses and
(11:23):
residents across the territory who are suffering under this grip
of crime, and our police are suffering from it as well.
Speaker 1 (11:30):
Leah, I do want to move along. News yesterday of
the passage of the Constitution Alteration for the Voice so
that twenty twenty three bill by the House of Representatives.
Those working on the Yes campaign say that the passage
marks one step closer on this journey to a First
Nation's voice and commended the House of Representatives for hearing
(11:50):
the overwhelming what they've said is the overwhelming majority of
First Nations peoples who support a voice. Is the parliamentary
wing of the COLP any closer to me making a
decision if you do or don't support the voice?
Speaker 2 (12:04):
Well, we welcome that this has passed through federal Parliament.
I think it is important that people right across this
country get the opportunity to have their say. And like
we've said one hundred times before, Katie, you know, we
as members of Northern Territory Parliament just have one vote,
just like everybody else.
Speaker 1 (12:22):
I mean like you've got bodies like the NRL, You've
got bodies like the AFL, You've got CDU, you've got
different you know, you've got different organizations sort of wearing
their hearts on their sleeve whether they do or do
not support the voice. Do you think that it's reaching
a time with a CLP actually as a parliamentary wing,
do need to determine or do need to make a
(12:42):
decision as to whether they do or don't support it?
Speaker 2 (12:46):
Well, I think it would be foolish for us to
do that without the information. And that's what we've been
calling for. Where is the federal government. Where has been
the information campaign right across the territory about what this
is going to do, how it's going to improve the
life of territorians and how it's going to deal with
the issues we have here in the territory. I certainly
haven't seen one. I have not received one invitation to
(13:09):
a consultation session. I haven't seen one information boost up
at a shopping center. There really hasn't been the detail,
and that's all we're calling for. There is many months
before people have to go to vote, and we remain
open minded to what it is that a voice would
do for the territory. But we're not just going to
rub a stamp something because it might sound good. We
(13:32):
need to make sure we're fighting for territories to have
the detail so that people can make an informed decision
when they vote.
Speaker 1 (13:38):
Do you reckon You're going to reach a point though,
where the parliamentary wing does actually have to decide whether
they are supporting yes or no.
Speaker 2 (13:46):
Well that might be the case, Katie, but certainly right now,
what are we We've just ticked over into June, the
referendum's not into October, and there's an sceric of useful
information out there in the Northern Territory about how this
is going to make people's life. Veteran as I've told
Federal Labor and I've told the Federal Labor Senator, if
people don't understand it, they will likely vote no. And
(14:08):
that's the feedback we're receiving on the ground. And so
if Labor really want this to work, they've really got
to come here and explain to people how it's going
to change the lives of people living in the Northern Territory.
Because I certainly won't be rubber stamping something that doesn't
deal with territory issues. We don't want to just be
a minority voice on a national body where people from
(14:29):
interstate rule and dominate the conversation. I can't see how
greater impact from people in big states is going to benefit,
you know, the lives of people in the Northern Territory.
So I'm very conscious of representation when it comes to
whatever it is the Voice is going to do.
Speaker 1 (14:46):
Now, before I let you go this morning, there has
been discussion. We had the Northern Territory electoral Commissioner on
the show yesterday talking about the proposed changes to the
electoral boundaries. Have you had a bit of a look
at it, you're concerned about it in the those changes,
or do you think that they'll make much of a difference.
Speaker 2 (15:03):
Yeah, look, it is an important time and certainly as
a party, we'll be making a submission back about changes
that we think need to be made. So yeah, there's
some big changes, particularly to seats like mine, which is
way over quota, so my seat needs to be changed
a little bit to reduce the numbers of people in it.
And we know in the northern suburbs there are a
(15:23):
lot of seats out there that are under quota. So
there is going to be some movement, there's no question
about that. But we'll be working really proactively with our
submissions to the board to say where we think those
movement of boundaries need to be well.
Speaker 1 (15:40):
Lere plenty of text messages coming through on the text line,
a few people really wondering why you're not able to
just go and visit the Bora Lula police station. But
I understand there is obviously the different procedures that you've
got to take, but plenty of people wondering when you
will get the opportunity to head out there. So if
we're able to get the police Minister on at some point,
we'll ask that question. Lea f Thank you very much
(16:02):
for your time.
Speaker 2 (16:03):
Just to answer that. So, if I was to rock
up to a police station anywhere without permission, then I
risk putting those members of the police force in trouble.
Speaker 1 (16:12):
Yeah, which you do not want to do.
Speaker 2 (16:14):
Do that. I do it properly. I get the permission
because the last thing I want to do is put
the men and women of our police force in trouble
because of stupid political games by a labor minister. So
that's why I do that.
Speaker 1 (16:26):
Yeah, fair enough. Well, Lea Finocchiaro, the opposition leader, appreciate
your time this morning. Thanks for having your chat with us.
Speaker 2 (16:32):
Take care everyone.
Speaker 1 (16:33):
Thank you.
A lot on the agenda and we would usually catch
up with the opposition leader on a Tuesday, but she
has been out in boro Lula. Lea Fanocchiaro joins me
on the line right now. Good morning to you, Leah.
Speaker 2 (00:11):
Good morning Katie, and to your listeners.
Speaker 1 (00:13):
Leah. I saw on the socials that you had planned
to actually head well to the local police station out
there in boro Lula, but you weren't allowed in What
was the situation.
Speaker 2 (00:24):
Oh, it's so pathetic, Katie. The police minister really is
reaching new lows at the moment now for those who
aren't aware the opposition. Every time we want to go
and speak to public servants or go into a government
building like a health center or a police station, we
have to get approval from the minister, and so I
thought that approval in advance. I was going to borrow Lulla.
(00:44):
I'd love to go and see the police out there.
Of course, I'm also the shadow Minister for Police, so
it's important that I am able to facilitated to do
my job. And the Police Minister rejected me for his
second time. This is the second time I've been out
to bor Rolula in twelve months, and for the second
time she's knocked me back because she herself has not
(01:05):
taken the time to go out there.
Speaker 1 (01:07):
So what was the reasons behind it? From her perspective
in there?
Speaker 2 (01:11):
She just said no, she hadn't been out there to
see them, and she wants to go out there before
I go out there. But I've been out there twice.
Did you so have you given block?
Speaker 1 (01:21):
Did you were you in a situation where you gave
plenty of notice or was this something that was sort
of sprung upon them at the last minute.
Speaker 2 (01:28):
No plenty of notice, Katie. And it wasn't an operational decision.
It wasn't a decision from police because they were busy
or they were out on community. This just came straight
back down from the Police Minister's office saying, no, the
police minister had not yet visited Bora Lulla and I'm
not allowed to visit any police station before she has
visited them. I mean, this is the same police minister
(01:48):
that blocked me out of visiting Tenant Creek Police station
last year. A couple of weeks ago, she wouldn't let
me put a photo of the police graduation up on
Facebook because she was in it, and she didn't give
me permission to use her photo. I mean, this is
a government that has completely lost the plot. It's in
total chaos and forgetting about the real reason we're all here,
and that's to make the territory a better place for everyone.
(02:11):
That's the important part of my job to speak to
police when I'm out in.
Speaker 1 (02:15):
About and so what exactly what were you hoping for
when going out to Bora Lula and visiting the police
station out there.
Speaker 2 (02:23):
So it's really important when I'm out across the territory
to visit the police station and to speak to the
members about the issues they're seeing on the ground in
those communities, the crime rates, patterns that they're seeing, and
then of course talk to them about what's important to them.
Look at the infrastructure as well, so to understand we've
got some quite old facilities across the territory and to
(02:45):
be seeing the operational environment that police have to work
in the cells they might have watchhouses, vehicles, things like that.
So housing as well, police housing is really important, particularly
when you're out remote. When I go and visit a
police station, they are the types of things I talk
to police about and have a look around to see
(03:05):
with my own eyes so that, you know, it helps
me understand where the priorities of a government that I lead,
you know, would need to pay attention to Lilla.
Speaker 1 (03:13):
There will be some people asking this morning whether you
are doing some of these things to get a headline
and to get a rise from the police minister.
Speaker 2 (03:22):
No I contacted the police minister thought approval to go
to the police station. If she had come back and
said yes, I would have gone to the police station
and no one would even know that I was there.
You know, we would have just been me doing my job.
But instead I'm holding them to account and making sure
Territorians understand just how petty and pathetic this government is
(03:44):
in trying to stop the opposition leader the shadow minutes
different police from going to Borlalla Police station, thanking them
for doing a great job and finding out how we
can all help them to continue to serve and protect
our community.
Speaker 1 (03:56):
Well, let's hope that you're able to get out there
sometime soon and go and see those officers. Now, Leah,
this morning, we know that the Northern Territory government have
announced that they are well. They're certainly saying that it
is all in an effort to improve its justice response.
To domestic and family violence. So basically, the Justice Legislation
(04:18):
Bill for twenty twenty three has been released for consultation.
The reforms, they say, provide a more consistent and specialized
focus on victim safety and offender accountability to help reduce
the cycle of violence. Now, we know that domestic violence
is a huge scourge here in the Northern Territory. Nearly
every day we see different statements come out from the
(04:41):
Northern Territory Police of the horrendous domestic violence incidents that
go on. We are told that, you know, those callouts
for our Northern Territory Police each and every day to
amiss to those domestic violence incidents are taking up a
huge amount of resources. How do you think these changes
to the legislation are going to impact the territory?
Speaker 2 (05:04):
Well, hopefully in a positive way. We know in our
Springs domestic violence is up forty eight percent. In Catherine
it's up fifty eight percent. So this is a chronic
issue across the territory and it's not only the impact
on the victims, but of course on the children of
those families and the broader family unit and the community.
So it's a massive issue that needs to be tackled.
(05:27):
We know this government didn't deal with the ending of
Stronger futures properly and the increased access to alcohols reached
havoc across the territory. But to know that they've put
out a discussion paper is positive. It means there can
be genuine engagement across the community and particularly with the
domestic violence sector. I remember a couple of years ago
(05:48):
the government brought in DV legislation where the sector was
really concerned that it would have negative impact, and so
it was actually recommended to Parliament that that legislation not proceeds.
So this is hopefully an important opportunity for everyone to
express the pros and cons or perhaps tweak what needs
to be done. And of course that's all contingent on
government actually listening to the feedback, which we certainly hope
(06:11):
they do.
Speaker 1 (06:11):
LEA. Is there anything in particular that the COLP would
like to see included in these legislative changes.
Speaker 2 (06:18):
Well, what we want to see is that when people
are going to prison for domestic violence, we want there
to be mandated programs, and we want those programs to
be targeted at the causes of what's going on and
why someone is driving that type of behavior, and we
think it should just be you know, we think if
you're incarcerated, there should one hundred percent be an expectation
(06:39):
that you complete programs that are targeted to what you're
offending is in the first place. So yes, prevention and
all of those programs need to be there as well.
I'm not taking away from that, But what we really
want to see is for people who are in custody
sitting there every day, rather than staring at a brick
wall or learning how to become a better criminal. We
want people to be treated appropriately and have access to
(07:01):
the services they need so when they come out, we're
not sending them back in to prison because they reoffend.
Speaker 1 (07:07):
Well, let's hope that this consultation is a step in
the right direction and we do see some change when
it comes to the domestic violence rates that we have
here in the territory Leah a serious concern that has
been raised over recent days. We spoke about it extensively
on Friday with various businesses that were impacted. It is
the issue of crime that is being experienced in Catherine
(07:29):
right now. It's a real concern. We are being told
that there's a mob that's ruling the town and it's
wreaking havoc on locals. Leah. The police said that they
are focusing on the town. What more needs to happen
from your perspective, Well.
Speaker 2 (07:43):
Joe Hersey, my member in Catherine, has been out on
the ground crying with these business owners who are just
desperate for action, and she's been very vocal saying there
needs to be more early intervention programs. There needs to
be better programs for young people they don't turn to
a life of crime. And Joe Hersey was actually out
(08:04):
yesterday at seven EMUs station out near Borolula, which this
government has touted as being a very prominent early intervention program.
But unfortunately, Katie, this year not a single youth has
been referred by territory families to seven EMUs stations. You
have a fantastic, fantastic facility. You know, Joe was out
(08:25):
there yes day.
Speaker 1 (08:26):
We did speak to Joe yesterday and she did say
that what's your understanding of why we're not actually seeing
any youth go through that facility.
Speaker 2 (08:34):
Well, you know, this is something government needs to explain.
They've invested three million dollars in infrastructure out there. I
believe it's around a four point five million dollar contract.
The people out there are wanting to do, you know
what they're being paid for. They're wanting to deliver services
and intervention, but territory families aren't pushing through the referrals.
It just appears like a total lack of commitment to
(08:55):
actually dealing with these kids prior to them becoming youth
of fans and that's what's really really required, and equally
putting the rights of children first. We know that this
government has an opportunity where there's care and protection issues
in a family, to ask the federal government to engage
in income management, and we just don't know whether this
(09:17):
government is actually delivering on that. It's about parental responsibility
and about ensuring that parents are taking responsibility for their
kids and doing the right thing by their kids, and
sending them to seven EMUs Station is just one example
of a terrific program that gives kids an opportunity to
really reflect on where they've come in life and where
they need to go moving forward.
Speaker 1 (09:39):
Just having to look at a few of the things
that you have said this morning, like in terms of
seven EMU Station, but also in terms of the claims
from last week. You know that we have got these
gangs of youth that are just sort of running around
in Catherine doing the wrong thing, and a lot of
people going, well, why aren't they at school or why
are they allowed to be on the streets at night?
(10:01):
I mean, are we in a situation here where there
needs to be some serious questions asked of territory families
if indeed these children are in the care of territory families,
but also in terms of why we're not utilizing some
of those different diversion programs such as seven EMU station.
Speaker 2 (10:18):
Yeah, without question, and in estimates in not next week,
the week after, we will be pouring over this issue.
Don't worry about that, listeners. It's something we're really focused
on because you've got a government talking the talk but
not walking the walk. If we have not had a
single youth diverted to seven EMUs this year, then something
major is going on. If we have youth out on
(10:39):
the street in the middle of the night and our
police are powerless to do anything about that, we have
a major issue again with territory families from a care
and protection of children's standpoint, because it is not safe
for children to be out on the street. It is
not safe for children to be engaging in crime. And
we have an issue again with and this is all
comes back to Kate Warden, the police and territory families.
Minute he spends more time chasing me around and stopping
(11:03):
me doing things than doing her own job. There's a
major breakdown here, Katie. This government does not know what
to do with this situation. But people's lives are being
destroyed because of it. Both the kids who haven't had
the opportunity to be in a safer environment and lead
a healthier life going forward, and all the businesses and
(11:23):
residents across the territory who are suffering under this grip
of crime, and our police are suffering from it as well.
Speaker 1 (11:30):
Leah, I do want to move along. News yesterday of
the passage of the Constitution Alteration for the Voice so
that twenty twenty three bill by the House of Representatives.
Those working on the Yes campaign say that the passage
marks one step closer on this journey to a First
Nation's voice and commended the House of Representatives for hearing
(11:50):
the overwhelming what they've said is the overwhelming majority of
First Nations peoples who support a voice. Is the parliamentary
wing of the COLP any closer to me making a
decision if you do or don't support the voice?
Speaker 2 (12:04):
Well, we welcome that this has passed through federal Parliament.
I think it is important that people right across this
country get the opportunity to have their say. And like
we've said one hundred times before, Katie, you know, we
as members of Northern Territory Parliament just have one vote,
just like everybody else.
Speaker 1 (12:22):
I mean like you've got bodies like the NRL, You've
got bodies like the AFL, You've got CDU, you've got
different you know, you've got different organizations sort of wearing
their hearts on their sleeve whether they do or do
not support the voice. Do you think that it's reaching
a time with a CLP actually as a parliamentary wing,
do need to determine or do need to make a
(12:42):
decision as to whether they do or don't support it?
Speaker 2 (12:46):
Well, I think it would be foolish for us to
do that without the information. And that's what we've been
calling for. Where is the federal government. Where has been
the information campaign right across the territory about what this
is going to do, how it's going to improve the
life of territorians and how it's going to deal with
the issues we have here in the territory. I certainly
haven't seen one. I have not received one invitation to
(13:09):
a consultation session. I haven't seen one information boost up
at a shopping center. There really hasn't been the detail,
and that's all we're calling for. There is many months
before people have to go to vote, and we remain
open minded to what it is that a voice would
do for the territory. But we're not just going to
rub a stamp something because it might sound good. We
(13:32):
need to make sure we're fighting for territories to have
the detail so that people can make an informed decision
when they vote.
Speaker 1 (13:38):
Do you reckon You're going to reach a point though,
where the parliamentary wing does actually have to decide whether
they are supporting yes or no.
Speaker 2 (13:46):
Well that might be the case, Katie, but certainly right now,
what are we We've just ticked over into June, the
referendum's not into October, and there's an sceric of useful
information out there in the Northern Territory about how this
is going to make people's life. Veteran as I've told
Federal Labor and I've told the Federal Labor Senator, if
people don't understand it, they will likely vote no. And
(14:08):
that's the feedback we're receiving on the ground. And so
if Labor really want this to work, they've really got
to come here and explain to people how it's going
to change the lives of people living in the Northern Territory.
Because I certainly won't be rubber stamping something that doesn't
deal with territory issues. We don't want to just be
a minority voice on a national body where people from
(14:29):
interstate rule and dominate the conversation. I can't see how
greater impact from people in big states is going to benefit,
you know, the lives of people in the Northern Territory.
So I'm very conscious of representation when it comes to
whatever it is the Voice is going to do.
Speaker 1 (14:46):
Now, before I let you go this morning, there has
been discussion. We had the Northern Territory electoral Commissioner on
the show yesterday talking about the proposed changes to the
electoral boundaries. Have you had a bit of a look
at it, you're concerned about it in the those changes,
or do you think that they'll make much of a difference.
Speaker 2 (15:03):
Yeah, look, it is an important time and certainly as
a party, we'll be making a submission back about changes
that we think need to be made. So yeah, there's
some big changes, particularly to seats like mine, which is
way over quota, so my seat needs to be changed
a little bit to reduce the numbers of people in it.
And we know in the northern suburbs there are a
(15:23):
lot of seats out there that are under quota. So
there is going to be some movement, there's no question
about that. But we'll be working really proactively with our
submissions to the board to say where we think those
movement of boundaries need to be well.
Speaker 1 (15:40):
Lere plenty of text messages coming through on the text line,
a few people really wondering why you're not able to
just go and visit the Bora Lula police station. But
I understand there is obviously the different procedures that you've
got to take, but plenty of people wondering when you
will get the opportunity to head out there. So if
we're able to get the police Minister on at some point,
we'll ask that question. Lea f Thank you very much
(16:02):
for your time.
Speaker 2 (16:03):
Just to answer that. So, if I was to rock
up to a police station anywhere without permission, then I
risk putting those members of the police force in trouble.
Speaker 1 (16:12):
Yeah, which you do not want to do.
Speaker 2 (16:14):
Do that. I do it properly. I get the permission
because the last thing I want to do is put
the men and women of our police force in trouble
because of stupid political games by a labor minister. So
that's why I do that.
Speaker 1 (16:26):
Yeah, fair enough. Well, Lea Finocchiaro, the opposition leader, appreciate
your time this morning. Thanks for having your chat with us.
Speaker 2 (16:32):
Take care everyone.
Speaker 1 (16:33):
Thank you.
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