The Week That Was – 13th December 2024

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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
It is time for the week that was, And joining
us on the show today in the studio for the
COLP we have got making his debut appearance, the Minister
for People's Sport and Culture, Jins and Charles, Good morning
to you. Hello, lovely to have you on the show.
Thanks so much for joining us. From the Northern Territory News,

(00:20):
we've got journalists Harry Briel, Good morning, Harry, Yeah, good
lovely to have you in the studio. And joining us
on the line this morning, we have got the opposition
leader Selena Ubo. Good morning to you, Selena.

Speaker 2 (00:33):
Good morning to Katy and so all the listeners of
this Friday.

Speaker 1 (00:36):
Lovely to have you on the show. Now we are
going to get straight into it because there is so
much to cover off on this morning. And as we know,
things have not been good in Alice Springs for quite
some time, but the issues of crime have flared up
over recent days and weeks. A woman allegedly raped in
her home while she slept on the weekend, cars stolen,

(00:57):
and a police officer driven at by well though in
a stolen car. Now, according to the Police Association, that
officer had to draw his weapon to avoid being hit.
We know that there has been homes invaded and senior
territorians targeted. Then, on Wednesday afternoon at two thirty two
teenagers entered a home in Alice Springs, allegedly armed with weapons.

(01:21):
A mom was inside with her two month old baby
and three other kids. One of the teens allegedly struck
the woman with a metal bar, hitting her and her
newborn baby. Now, the father of the two month old
baby girl has since revealed to the Northern Territory News
that her skull was fractured during that terrifying home invasion.

(01:43):
He spoke yesterday to the paper, asking that his identity
remained private as he processed the trauma of that incident. Now,
he said his daughter had suffered a skull fracture, but
was stable for the moment. He said the two month
old little girl, who was flying too Adelaide Hospital due
to the severity of her injuries, was now being monitored

(02:04):
in the hospital where tests were being run. And he
said that he was overwhelmed and flabbergasted by the support
that he'd received from the community so far, and praised
the speedy response from the police. Now, everybody on this
panel is a parent, All of us have some kind

(02:25):
of understanding. I think of the terror that that mum
must have felt cradling her newborn baby, worrying about her
other three children while somebody two people who have allegedly,
now it's been revealed by the Australian newspaper, have collectively
been charged with almost three hundred other offenses and bailed

(02:49):
thirty five times they were on bail. I'll get to
that in just a moment. But I mean, Harry, you've
got a bub that's seven months old, I believe. I mean,
how do you feel when you hear that this has happened.

Speaker 3 (03:04):
Yeah, well, when I first heard about what occurred in
our spring's my first thought actually went my son, and
so did my wife's thoughts. And I know that yourself
and many other parents, their first thoughts would have jumped
straight to their kid. It would have just been the
most traumatic experience. And of course that's just the mother
and the baby that was hurt. There was also bystanders there.

(03:24):
You had three other kids that were there to witness it.
You also had a father who would have been out
of the household. He would have got a phone call
or he would have been alerted somehow. It's just trauma
all round.

Speaker 1 (03:36):
It's a horrifying, horrifying incident. It's making headlines around the nation.
I mean, Jinson, when you first found out about what
had occurred, Like, what was your reaction?

Speaker 4 (03:46):
Yeah, seem as word had is it like a thing?
I was thinking about like my two girls as well,
So even though they're eleven and five, my thoughts was
a board leg what it was them and my wife
in that incident? And again like a thing. I think
a board leg. It's not just the person who are
involved in that incident. The first responders under think the
trauma because like I walked in the emergency department before

(04:07):
as well. Yeah, and I think when we see these
kind of things, it's a board like a thing. It
take a bit or we just need to research and
then refocus, because I think that's what I heard from
one of my friends as well about like doc to
air first responder seeing aboard like a thing, how traumatosed
and shock?

Speaker 1 (04:23):
Well that's the thing. All of those first responders I
think are going to be horrified. And and you know
they see a lot, like you've said, you know you
worked in the emergency department, you see a lot, but
you know, seeing a baby injured in that way is
just horrific, Selena, You've got you've got little babies. I mean,
you can't even imagine how scared that mum must have felt.

Speaker 2 (04:42):
Right, yeah, Katie, I'm sure like all the listeners and
ever run across the NT like hearing something that's so
sickening and gut wrenching like a baby being attacked is
just there's no word for it. It's absolutely unacceptable and
there's no way that something like this should be happening
in the Northern Territor. There's no excuses for it. It's
absolutely abhorrent and it's just stickening. It really makes you

(05:05):
feel sick in your stomach, Katie, and I think many
people will be asking, what now, how do we make
our community safe? What's the government going to do to
make sure that this nothing like this happens again? But
of course that we do support the family who's been affected,
because they're unfortunate, Katie, they're probably going to be spending
Christmas in hospital caring for the little babbas. So we're
thinking about that family, and we're thinking about all the

(05:27):
family and friends those first responders who have been affected
by this single incident. But what are we going to
do to support the community, but just in our springs,
right across the NT to make sure this type of
sick act does not happen again.

Speaker 1 (05:39):
Well, spot on, it cannot happen again. And unfortunately we've
seen a deterioration over years, and that is under the
former Labor government and now obviously we are in the
situation that we're in. But look, I actually think the
time for finger pointing at anybody at this point is

(06:00):
past us because people actually want this to get better. Right.
So we're now in a situation where the Australian newspapers
reporting that the two teenage boys who allegedly broke into
that home in Alice Springs and struck the woman they
are saying with a detachable metal freezer handle so hard

(06:20):
that it rebounded, hitting the two month old baby and
causing the brain bleed and fractured skull, had collectively been
charged with almost three hundred other offenses and bailed thirty
five times. They were currently on bail. So we all
feel the upset for the mum and the baby, but

(06:43):
I feel absolute fury when I think about the fact
that there are these two teenagers that have three hundred
other offenses and they've been bailed thirty five times. I
tell you what, if I could say what I really
think on the show this morning, there'd be a lot
of swear words. I cannot believe that we are in
a situation that people can be engaged in that level

(07:06):
of crime and they are still out on bail. To me,
the system is letting us down so severely it makes
me feel furious.

Speaker 3 (07:18):
Well, this was a ticking time bomb. By the sounds
of things. You've got two young boys who have committed
hundreds of offenses between them, thirty five bales, and now a
family have to pay the price. How do we Where
do we start with this?

Speaker 1 (07:33):
Jitsum?

Speaker 3 (07:34):
I mean, it's a pretty it's been mounting.

Speaker 4 (07:36):
Yeah, you know, I totally agree, and I think that's
exadly why we passed on all the CRAME packages in
October sitting itself, and also when it comes to the bill,
that's something that we discuss standard thing informed everyone at
that point. That's not going to be enacted straight away
because they were like a thing operational recurements for that
as well. So that's going to be in place in January.
And that means like if you're out on bill. And

(07:58):
if anyone is going to do any of this kind
of luck, even they're going to breach the bail condition,
that means like they will be going back. And that's
why the Corrections Ministry is working with the Corrections team
to make sure like we got the capacity. It's not
about like once they're law is in place, we need
to make sure like that's operationalless. Well, it's not just
about like enacting law. And I think then it's not
going to work in the community. So that that's ex

(08:20):
sad reasons why we pass that and a thing I
need to say that doesn't like most of this bay,
like the legislation was on motion and I think we
had to vote for that as well, except the workers.
We had like the support from the labor so that
means like a thing even though we said, like I
think this is really needed back in October, they were
like others in the Parliament who we're not supporting. So

(08:41):
and as you mentioned, like a thing, Yeah, this is
a ticking bong and I think we may see like
a thing more of this happening again because we got
like uncontrollable children out there doing these kind of things
and these are inhumane.

Speaker 1 (08:52):
Well, it's it's totally inhumane and it's totally unacceptable. It
goes against the expectation of the community for somebody to
have been engaged in that level of crime and then
be out on bail. Now, I do also want to
just touch on the fact that in what is being
described as a serious escalation in the crime crisis, we
also know that the Northern Territory Police charged a man

(09:14):
with breaking into a woman's home and raping her while
she slept in Alice Springs. Now the Australian again reporting
that that's despite the man being on a good behavior
bond at the time. Now, I take on board what
the COLP is doing and I think that they are
the right moves at this point. But Selena, you've got
to admit that the Labor Party dropped the ball for

(09:34):
the last eight years. I mean, we're working off legislation
right now that you guys had in place.

Speaker 2 (09:40):
Katie, over one hundred days ago. The COLP promised that
they would make a huge change. That's what Territorians voted for,
that's what they expect and absolutely the Labor Opposition respects
that and that's the Territory's right to have that with
their new government. But what we don't understand, Katie, is
this urgent legislation that Jinson's talked about his government was

(10:01):
brought in. There's been a big fan fare, there's been
lots of press releases about it, but still, he said
way back in October, that's two and a half months
until it even comes into effect on the first of January.
Territorians are trying. I'm struggling with it, and I'm sure
Terratorians are struggling. Why couldn't those changes, which are specifically
about bail, Katie, everyone knows that. Why weren't those changes

(10:22):
brought into immediate effect to have this type of change
to possibly prevent something like what we've seen recently in
Alice Springs. Why wasn't the urgency then placed on these
laws to change and make a difference, which is what
territorians have expected. And we still have no answer to that, Katie.

Speaker 1 (10:37):
Well, look, people are already messaging in those Selena this
morning and saying, well, hang on a secon you guys
didn't do it for eight years.

Speaker 4 (10:44):
Could be going to just do Katie.

Speaker 2 (10:46):
The new Colpic government promised to change, They promised to
fix this they promised to prevent crime and they haven't
done that.

Speaker 1 (10:52):
But do you get you get the point that I'm
making that you actually didn't do anything to the bail
changes for the last.

Speaker 3 (10:58):
Day he lives.

Speaker 2 (10:59):
I absolutely get the point, Katie. I'm not disputing the
point and the frustration that people had with our former
labor government. But one hundred days over three months of
the CLP government and still none of their laws have
been enacted when it comes to these bail changes. So
we can have the conversation around bail. The COLP has
made their changes, but the CLP has not enacted that.

(11:20):
So therefore no one, no one across the territory is
going to see any of this benefit, possibly until January.
We won't not Katie, because remember so I just.

Speaker 4 (11:28):
Need to add like a thing since heal be government
chances legislation. From my understanding, the correction numbers go has
gone up to it on like two hundreds, and I
think that's a clear indication that these legislations are walking
and that.

Speaker 2 (11:40):
Are like my legislation because it hasn't actually come into effect.
It doesn't absolutely.

Speaker 4 (11:44):
One of Selena, and I think you were in that
all those discussions you ask the CHRISTI and you know
exadly what you're seeing as well.

Speaker 2 (11:51):
So will legislature come to effects and don't.

Speaker 1 (11:54):
Tell fib Sorry, we're just having a bit of an
issue with your phone line there, Selena. It seems to
break up, but we hopefully we've got your right. Look,
I do want to just go back to the fact
that I actually believe now as this legislation comes into play,
but also as we look at you know what the
Australians reporting today, When you look at the number of

(12:16):
offenses and the number of bail times that you know
that that these offenders have been let out, it makes
me question what's happening through the judicial system right now?
I mean, have we got people, have we got judges
that are going softly softly here? What is going on?

Speaker 4 (12:35):
So again, like I think when it comes to the
judicial system, so I think we are supporting the the
legal aid to make sure like I think that's going
to be fast struck because I think they were outcrying there,
Like I think they've got issues with the funding. So
I think the CLP government gave like five point three
million over like two times to the illegally and we
are working with the Attorney General or the current acting

(12:55):
Attorney General Jered Meine is currently working and medically would
be both of work with the judicial system to make
sure like I think that are streamline process and looking
on the working hours and also looking on how they're
going to manage things during the holiday period as well,
because we don't want to have like these numbers coming
up and then staying back on remand because that's a
huge list to the system. And I can say or

(13:17):
like I think as of this week there is around
like a thing seventy person as in the Berymud jail
now and I think by another week there'll be go
up to another fifty and we are looking on to
increase up to two hundred bits by early next year.
So that means like we are increasing the capacity.

Speaker 1 (13:32):
So that capacity that is increasing is increasing us this week.
Well goodness knows, we need it right now. And I
think that that's where you know, that's where people are
at They're going, you know what if we've got people
committing that many offenses and we need to look at
a bigger.

Speaker 3 (13:44):
Jil Jens, I was going to ask you because a
lot of our readers and listeners, a lot of these people,
They often ask themselves the question, well, if people have
been bailed thirty five times, what is going on in
these courthouses to lead to these consecutive bails? Are you
confident these gail capacities being increased will actually have a
flow and effect.

Speaker 4 (14:04):
So I think what we are expecting is about like
there will be that effect. And also in terms of
like we are not seeing about if we are proud
about like increasing the numbers of prisoners, but at the
same time, there are people out there who are not
fit to be out in the community because they are
as to a community, and these people need to be
inside the prison and they need to go through the
rehabilitation program that they have to because they need to

(14:26):
be a change in behavior, because people can't just go
in someone ELO's property and do whatever they want to do.

Speaker 1 (14:31):
Yeah, look, we are going to have to take a
really quick break. When we come back. I do actually
want to discuss the response that the cop government has
provided and the calls by some for additional resources, and
you know, whether we need to look to the AFP
or the Defense Force to support our police. So we'll
talk more about that in just a moment's time. You
are listening to Mix one O four nine's three sixty.

(14:54):
It is the week that was. You have just joined us,
you are indeed listening to the week that was.

Speaker 2 (14:59):
On the line.

Speaker 1 (14:59):
We we have got Selina Rubo in the studio with
us this morning. We've got Minister Jensen, Charles and Harry
Brill from the NT News. Now just going through the
response from the Northern Territory c or Peak government to
the unfolding events throughout the week. When it comes to
crime in Alice Springs. Now the Chief Minister and the
Police Commissioner flying into Alice Springs yesterday. Jinson, I'll go

(15:23):
through the response that was announced in just a moment.
But do you know if the Chief Minister has spoken
to the family whose baby girl was seriously injured.

Speaker 4 (15:32):
Yes, I spoke to the Chief Minister this morning and
she informed like I think she's been to the house,
that spoke to the father and to the children or
the siblings, and I think they're really horrified. They're still
in that shock. But I think they kind of like
mentioned about the overwhilming support their receiving from the community,
which they were really grateful, but still they're in that
shock and they're trying to come out of them, and
everyone praying out for the baby who is in hospital.

(15:54):
And at this point, what we've been in FOREMO was
like the baby is in a stable condition, but we
hope that she's going to come out of that soon
and then be with the family.

Speaker 3 (16:02):
Jinsen. We've also seen not only the Chief Minister approach
people gang Al Springs, but people who approached her when
she arrives at airport. She's got a bit of a
hated reception. Do you understand why people would be frustrated
with her?

Speaker 4 (16:13):
Again, like I think she's the chief Minister and also
again the people elected her, and when it comes to
the emotion, there are different ways of the individuals to
how they can manage the emotion. There are some people
who are going to explose and other thing. I saw
that video as well, So even though I say, like
I think it's kind of like it's out and it's outrageous,
but still if you put into that contact and a

(16:35):
thinking person leaving in a list prince community and that
it is common. But again, like I think there could
be some ways because she is not directly responsible for this,
she's just a chief Minister for the last three months
or just over three months, and she's doing everything possible
that she can, and she's there this like yesterday morning
on where she's still in Alie Springs. She's going to
meet with the Indigenous elders and many leaders in the

(16:57):
community today as well. So she's trying to work with
the commissioner and all others in the community to make sure,
like I think, we are going to get their best,
because we don't want any of this children to go
on the stantrum and a thing assault or anyone.

Speaker 3 (17:09):
Some people have said she should have got down there
a bit earlier because there were other incidents. Did she
go down at the right time as early as she
probably should have.

Speaker 4 (17:16):
I'm not exactly sure of the timing, but I think
from my understanding this information was available only on day
before us today at night. And I think it's again
like I think it's about the decision aboard venue Yah.

Speaker 1 (17:25):
I mean, look, there had been a woman allegedly raped
inside her own home the weekend before. There had also
been or you know, the weekend just gone. There had
also been a situation that we'd spoken to the Police
Association about where police were driven at by a car
a stolen car to the point where, according to the

(17:47):
Police Association President Nathan Finn, one of those officers actually
had to draw their weapon. I mean, to me, it
sounds like things have been deteriorating for a number of weeks.
I know that the person who was at the airport
yesterday who was quite agree you could tell based on
that video was Darren Clark from Action for Alice. Now,
people have different opinions on Darren, but what I will

(18:07):
say is he has certainly been trying to bring to
the four for a long time. Those different issues that
we're seeing in Alice, we now know and it's been happening.
Let's be really blunt for like the last couple of years.
The situation in Alice Springs is at a point that
is absolutely unacceptable and it cannot continue online this now
we know the government have said that an immediate response

(18:29):
to escalating crime, police are going to stand up two
additional measures targeted at high risk repeat offenders and targeted
urban patrolling. So the Fugitive Task Force is going to
see about a dozen police who will target individuals with
outstanding warrants to reduce the ongoing risk to the community.
Alice Springs area is going to be divided into five sectors,

(18:51):
four urban including the CBD, and one rural sector. This
means that Operation Ludlow is going to be divided into
intensive patrols in those sectors and supported by additional police
to give highly visible and high engagement policing. Selena, I
know that you yesterday really felt that it needed to
go a step further and thought that a curfew should

(19:11):
have been called.

Speaker 2 (19:13):
Yeah, Katie Like, it's very clear that there's no plan
for Alice Springs in going into the summer season. It's
something that you know, as a former Labor government, we
always had the eyes on Alice Springs for this particular
period summertime. You know a lot of movement across Central Australia,
but there has to be a plan. The SEOLP hasn't
come up and spoken about what that plan is. And

(19:34):
that's really what I heard and saw this week in
particular from Alice Springs residents and Alice Springs organizations and
Alice Springs businesses in Central Australia, the heart of the territory.
Where is the plan for Alice Springs going into this
peak season of the summer season, Katie Like, I'm yet
to see that. I would love to see that. We
know the SELP is good at putting out their press releases,

(19:56):
but like you said, the last couple of weeks, things
have been spiraling. But that's how Springs people are frustrated
with Katie. They want to see and hear a plan.
What is it that's going to support the community. Not
the reactive plan now that we're seeing, which of course
we thank our police officers and our emergency responders, But
where's the plan? Why hasn't that been happening for the
last hundred days? And planning?

Speaker 4 (20:15):
To say Katy operation that law was not something just
happened as of yesterday. This was like planned and I.

Speaker 2 (20:19):
Think this was all We've been in government for three months.
Where's the plan for Alis Springs to this summer? We
still haven't seen it.

Speaker 4 (20:26):
In government for three months. And I think there was
like a previous government who made things like this. Point No,
totally agree. That's why the Chief Ministry is on the ground.

Speaker 1 (20:35):
Well let's let's see what he's going today.

Speaker 4 (20:38):
So again, what against is the like Chief ministries on
the ground of yesterday? And I think he she actually
met with the indigenous leaders over they had a conversation
with the Minister Manager McCarthy, spoke to Amadian scrum Joe
and also spoke to just In the Price. So she
is making sure like there is a crisis and that
needs to be a crisis response and that's what we are.

Speaker 2 (20:59):
Seeing now today. But where was she a hundred days ago? Jenson?

Speaker 4 (21:02):
There wasn't a crisis in Alice Springs and no v
are in their crisis and she's managing now in.

Speaker 2 (21:07):
The three months. So you've just admitting, in the three
months of being in the CELP government there is now
a christ.

Speaker 1 (21:12):
Well, I think, Selena, what I'll say. What I will
say though, is what people are saying on the tech
sign this morning is like essentially I've got one here.
You know, I was saying every time Selena or any
ALP member mentions that what the CLP has done about crime,
could you please play a recording of the previous ALP
government members parroting you know, Jaling is failing like people are,

(21:35):
I think getting quite frustrated by some of the messaging
now coming out from the ALP after what they feel
has been a real lack of action for a long time.
And I take on board what you're saying. I absolutely
take on board what you're saying with the CLP needing
to come out with a plan. But you know, but
for a lot of Territorians, they're saying they don't accept
You know that your calls that they're not doing enough

(21:58):
are appropriate given the fact that over the last eight
years things have deteriorated to the point where we've got
teenagers committing three hundred offenses combined and then they're out
on bails. So this is the frustration that the community
is feeling at this point, right right or wrongly, they're
frustrated across the board. Hang on a second, I'll keep talking.
People are frustrated across the board and they want action taken.

(22:22):
So I get what you're saying, but they're feeling it's
a bit rich coming from you at this point when
you guys did nothing. So what we need now is
action from everybody across both sides of politics to sort
this bullshit out. We've all had a gut for.

Speaker 2 (22:37):
Me and we are very very happy as the Labor
opposition to support the seal Pia government.

Speaker 1 (22:41):
It doesn't sound like it doesn't sound like it.

Speaker 2 (22:43):
We can't support something that we haven't seen, Katie. That's
what I'm saying as the leader of the opposition. I've
come out under my leadership to say we will not
be an opposition for opposition's sake. We will ask important
questions and we will support good initiatives from the seal
Peic government because again, this is not about politics. This
is about making sure the people of Alice Springs and
the rest of the finish because I made sure that

(23:09):
you got your say. We want to know what the
plan is for Alice Springs so we can support that.
In opposition, Katie, we have not seen the plan. We
look forward to seeing the plan. We want to know
what the plan is so we can then win.

Speaker 1 (23:21):
So do we think we're at a point where where
additional resources need to be called in? Are we at
a point where the Australian Federal Police need to support
the Northern Territory Police or where the Defense Force need
to support the Northern Territory Police. I mean I feel
for the Northern Territory Police right so when I ask
that that is in no way, shape or form criticism

(23:42):
against the Northern Territory Police. But what I can see
at the moment is they're facing an uphill battle where
they're arresting people, they are charging people, and then it
seems like they are being led off, you know, like
those numbers that I keep referring back to. That's where
it seems as though the breakdown is happy. But I'm
keen to hear from everybody this morning. I mean, are

(24:03):
we at a point where we need additional support?

Speaker 3 (24:05):
Well, I would have thought, coming so close for a
federal election, if either Selpay or CHURCHI label wanted to
cash in on call of support. The time is now,
is that Paginson would now be a right time to
approach the promise again.

Speaker 4 (24:18):
I spoke to the Chief Minister this morning and as
Chief Minister discussed yesterday on the media as well, everything
is on the table and again like she informed the
police commissioner to make sure like everything that he needs
to be called in. So if that's I if it's
a federal police But at this point, like what the
police is informing us is about like they got like
a crisis response. At this point, they are managing the

(24:40):
things and I think they don't want that support at
this point, but this can change again, So what we
want to do support, Like we don't want to interfere
with the operasional matters. At the same time, we want
to back our police, which we are doing from the government.

Speaker 3 (24:51):
Selena out to you. Would you like to see ADF
troops or FP officers patrol the streets of our springs.

Speaker 2 (24:58):
Harry, I think something that is being called for on
the Alice Springs community on the ground. We know that,
particularly in the different tiers of government, there has been
support for this is what Alice Springs needs as a
circuit breaker. It's up to the people of our springs
and those extra resources as well. Like we said, we
know that the Police Commissioner is calling in extra resources.

(25:20):
He has the power to call a curfew to create
that circuit breaker, which is what we called for in
opposition yesterday to be able to give the people of
our springs in Central Australia respite. What do we do
to move forward? There has to be a plan and
we want to support a plan, whether it's support from
the federal government, whether it's the COLP government, whether it's
an initiative through the local government. But the territory Labor

(25:41):
Opposition is very key to support a strong plan for
Central Australia, particularly over the next six weeks, over the
summer season, the school holiday break. That's so absolutely open
to all of that. But I think the people of
other springs have their own ideas about what they want
to see, and that's what we need to listen to.

Speaker 1 (25:57):
Yeah, look, I think that that's what we need to
listen to when we are seeing any of these horrendous
crimes unfolding. And what we are seeing right now is
just horrible. You know, we can all agree on that,
we might all disagree about the delivery at different times
and that kind of thing, but everybody wants the Northern
Territory to thrive again. I mean, some of what Marian
Scrimsaw was saying yesterday on the show I thought was

(26:19):
quite you know, like it was shocking. She said to me, Katie,
I'm scared inside my home and she's worried that she
she said that she is worried that there are Aboriginal
teenagers targeting targeting non Indigenous people in Alice Springs. I mean,
to me, that's like, that's horrible. But either way, and

(26:39):
then you know another point that she made which breaks
my heart is you know that she's concerned that you're
going to see a real division within the Northern Territory community.
And I think that that's the worst and the last
thing that anybody wants. This place, you know, is the
wonderful place that it is because of our multiculturalism, because
of you know the fact that we have so many

(27:01):
different cultures living here. We've got so many different types
of people here in the Northern Territory. But we're broken
right now.

Speaker 4 (27:08):
Yeah, So Katie, what I need to add to that
is a board, Like I think what we are seeing
at the moment, these crime are not children trying to
get some food or from poverty. These are angered against people.
They are destroying properties, and we need to do something
about this. And I think we can't say about like
I think this is just just because of like the poverty,
just because of like all the things happen in this
place for years. And I think I can say about

(27:30):
like a common theme from because you mentioned about the
multicultural communities. So what the common theme the multicultural community
are saying is about, like we are not responsible for
any of these They were not part of this colonization
or anything. They are in this country. To make sure,
like I think they're part of this country and take
this forward and yes they are going to accept about
like the things and they will work with the current
government on whatever the initiative they're doing. But they can't

(27:52):
say about like it's all because of like what happened
in the past, because we've got like a lot of
new people came to this country, even myself. If I'm
going to victimize myself, I can like I'm a victim
of colonization because India was ruled by British. I bond there,
I bond and live there for twenty four years. You
can't come up with what our excuses. You can come
but I think what we are seeing right now it
is nothing to do with any of this. If a

(28:13):
children or if a child is kind of like out
of hungry, I'm sure like any person living in the
territory will offer food to them. I don't think anyone
is going to refuse that food or drink to a child.
But this is not poverty. This is kind of like
what things happen over the many years or decades, and
then this is what we are seeing at the moment.
We kind of like started all this properly long time ago.

(28:33):
These children are the teenagers who hasn't seen watch a discipline,
community or anything. There is no social notes, there is
nothing as I mentioned, like it's totally inhumane to attack
a two month old baby and the mother inside the
house when the mother is looking after the baby, the
infant and other children.

Speaker 1 (28:49):
Selena Marian Scrimjaw said on the show yesterday, you know
the time for making excuses is over. Do you feel
the same, Katie.

Speaker 2 (28:58):
We've said that we are very comfortable as the Labor
Opposition to work towards whatever constructive plans and actions are
going to support people of Central Australia, and we stand
by that very happy, no excuses. We're happy to move forward,
but we need to do it together in a constructive way.
We're just waiting on the government to lead that.

Speaker 1 (29:17):
We are going to take a quick break. You're listening
to Mix one oh four nine's three sixty. It is
the week that was. You are listening to the week
that was and if you've just joined us in the
studio from the NT News Harry Brill. We've also got
Jins and Charles, Minister for People's Sport and Culture, and
on the line we've got the Opposition leader Selina Rubo.

(29:38):
Now I do want to talk I want to move
along a little bit because there has been a lot
happen throughout this week. I say that every time while
we come in for the week that was. But let's
have a look at this story around Equatorial Launch Australia.
We know that the space company that had been launching
rockets from the Northern Territory anounced it they'd be immediately
ceasing operation after a stouch with the Northern Land and Council. Now,

(30:00):
Equatorial Launch Australia says it's been working through approvals with
the NLC to expand the Arnham Space Center for almost
three years, but had been unable to finalize a lease agreement.
The company said the latest setback could have led to
a breach in its contractual obligations and puts major funding
at risk, leaving it with no option other than to

(30:22):
go elsewhere. Now ELA is planning to move their spaceport
now to Weeper in Queensland, meaning that the Northern Territory
is going to miss out on what has been seen
is billions of dollars in direct economic stimulus. It is
a blow to the Northern Territory right.

Speaker 2 (30:41):
Now, Katie. It's very disappointing to see this happen. We
know that the boosting a private sector here in the
territory and growing the economy, and sometimes obviously there's risks
that had taken. But I think the biggest disappointment around
this new industry now moving from the territory to Queensland,
of all places, means that we've losing out on territory jobs.

(31:03):
We're losing out on being able to grow our economy
in a new industry and a very exciting industry, Katie.
So it is super disappointing to see this happen.

Speaker 3 (31:13):
Selena, do you think this is a lost cause? Can
we throw a hail Mary and bring it back?

Speaker 2 (31:18):
I mean, I'm always a glass half full person, Harry,
so I'd always you know, I'd love to see if
there was a change in circumstances and that we see
ELA staying in all the territory. But I think unfortunately
they've made their business decision. If there was an eleventh
hour change, I think that would be great for the territory.
I know a lot of work has gone into this

(31:39):
and I think it would make a huge difference because
talking to territory kids, we had NASA come and do
road shows here in the territory within the last few
years and talk about jobs in space, jobs in technology.
So I think it'll be a huge blow to the territory,
as Katie said, but you know, if there's an opportunity
to keep it, then I think that would be great.

Speaker 4 (31:58):
I pointed as a CLP government by the ELS decision
to move out to Queensland, but we are communicating with
the stakeholders, the Gumach Cooperation and the Northern Council because
we got like a five percent stake in that as well,
and looking on a board like the legal options regarding
that as well, and to make sure that a thing

(32:19):
we got like economic options available for the people leaving
out there, because we don't want to see that a
thing East Danum is going backwards, because we want to
see aboard like I think that's going to move forward
and again like a thing that would look out for
the businesses aboard, like anything doing business in territory as well.
We don't want to see about like territories the most
difficult place to do business in Australia, because we want

(32:41):
to be at the forefront, especially with our strategic location,
and we want to see about like a thing more
of the defense industry coming on board, and I think
we want to see more of this expansion. And again,
like I think the territory, the acting Territory Coordinator will
be out Onteranum by mid December.

Speaker 1 (32:58):
Do you reckon there's any chance can actually turn around?

Speaker 4 (33:02):
I'm not sure based on the information that we currently,
I don't think there is a chance with this. But again,
like a thing still discussion is in police like we
can't see anything can happened from there, but we want
to really see a well, like a thing, how we
can expand the businesses in the territory or these kind
of like projects rather than them leaving territory. And I
think accusing like different processes and systems in place within
the Northern Territory. That's the reason why they're leaving, because

(33:24):
they can't fast track and then do the things.

Speaker 1 (33:26):
In that way. Yeah, look, I mean I think we
all want to see the economy diversified. We want to
see some of these projects up and running. We want
to see things moving along again. So I hope that
we are able to see some change in this space.
I do just want to take everyone across to a
Pressureleaseet's literally just come through though. Unfortunately, another situation around crime,

(33:47):
this time the Northern Territory Police saying that they've arrested
to adult males in relation to an aggravated robbery that
occurred in Catherine overnight. At about ten thirty, police received
reports that two adult males had entered a residents in
Catherine South and allegedly assaulted two male victims with edged
weapons before stealing alcohol and fleeing the scene on foot.

(34:09):
Northern Territory Police and Saint John Ambulance attended that incident,
locating a fifty three year old victim with a stab
wound to his leg and another sixty four year old
male with stab wounds to his chest. A short time later,
a twenty four year old male was arrested nearby after
a short footchase. A thirty year old was arrested at

(34:32):
a residential addressing Catherine Now. Both those victims were transported
to Catherine Hospital for treatment and are both now in
a stable condition. The offenders are not believed to be
known to the victims. Investigations remain ongoing, both offenders remaining
in custody, with charges expected to be laid later today.

(34:54):
It's like once again, I don't know how many times
I can say something's horrifying, but you're literally talking of
act two blokes being stabbed now inside their home.

Speaker 2 (35:03):
Yeah, Katie, it's horrible. Obviously. I'm in Catherine, which is
my hometown, and I know that our Mayor Liz Clark
has written to the new government and urged the support
from the local Member for Catherine, who is now Minister
Joe Hersey, to try and get a plan and support
for Castine, similar to what our Springs residents have been
asking for the last couple of weeks of new government. Again,

(35:25):
I am what I want to be constructive. I want
to be able to support what is the plan for Catherine,
not just because I'm a resident here, Katie, but because
I support this region and it is the hub for
my electorate of Arnham, it's the hub for other electorates
in the surrounding area. And you know, I think Mayor
Liz Clark and her strength and wanting to see things
happen in a constructive and positive way for Catherine was

(35:47):
met with personal politics. And it can't be about personal politics, Katie.
It has to be about what are the constructive ways,
what are the resources to be able to work we
know we've got great organizations and community associates that are
doing amazing things for Catherine and the Big Rivers region.
How do we also support that when it comes to
crime prevention and again, happy to see what the plan is.

(36:09):
We haven't had a plan for Catherine from the New
zeal Pia government. I'm not happy to support that.

Speaker 1 (36:13):
When do you know, do you know either of those
victims or have you heard much about that situation this morning?

Speaker 2 (36:20):
No o, Katie, I've also heard that through the release
this morning come through. Yeah, and obviously thoughts with those victims.
I will say though the Catherine Hospital does an amazing job.
Again those first responders in times of crisis or times
of you know, the traumatic, Yeah, traumatic experiences. So we

(36:40):
thank the first responders for their good work in this situation.

Speaker 4 (36:44):
Katie, I'm unable to specifically come underboud this particular situation,
but I think I'm hearing Lego thing there is no plan,
there is no plan. But I think what again says
that from the day one of the government we are
walking on the plans to make sure Legating the community
is safe. And I totally agree leg I think things
are happening, but I think at the same time you
can see about the news about like a thing, these
offenders are being taken by the police as well, it's

(37:06):
not like a thing. They're trying to let go. And
we are making sure the bay law is going to
be in place as well. And again, like I think
we are focusing on all this minority or some people
out in the community causing all this recons and trouble
as well, But there is like a great young people
out there and I think doing the right thing as well.
And I think I can say about like the Minister
for Youth as well, we announce a plan for the

(37:27):
school holiday programs for the school break last week and
I think there are like a lot of activities for
all the different regions for the young kids to engage.
That means, like I think there are young people who
wants to participate in the community.

Speaker 1 (37:40):
That is an opportunity for There's plenty of good kids
out in the community. I get to see them all
the time at different sports and you know, at different events.

Speaker 4 (37:46):
And yet just about the minority therein like a thing
causing all the headlines. But I think there is like
a good number of people out there doing the right thing.
And also be ensuring, like I think we are giving
opportunities for the people to be engaged in the community
and stay in activities unconnected with that and not to
join this like minority of people creating the community as well.

Speaker 3 (38:07):
Selene, I just want to ask you a quick question
just with this crime, with crime being a major topic
right now, the Promise will be here in just a
couple of weeks, do you think you will have a
conversation with Promise to Anthony Albaneasy on the crime and
if so, will you be making any requests?

Speaker 2 (38:23):
Yeah, absolutely, Harry, I will be talking with the Prime Minister.
I've ever spoken to my federal colleagues obviously who represent
the federal labor government here in the NT around what
are the things that we can obviously push here in
the territory. Obviously the last couple of weeks, and we've
talked about it many times with Katie on her show,

(38:44):
is about that DV needs based finding family, domestic and
sexual violence prevention. We can't get anywhere if we're not
resourced properly in the Northern Territory. We've had some great
wins when we talk about education in the territory being
fully funded housing in remote sense, we're looking at the
social affordable housing that the federal government brought in, which
has now gone through with the Federal the last sittings

(39:06):
of the Federal Canberra Parliament. So the two other areas
we need to keep pushing and it doesn't matter what
side of politics we're in, is health and DVS funding.
So they're the sort of conversations I'll be having because
when we can look at aliving, we know domestic violence
is one of the biggest contributors to crime, you know,
horrible stories here in the NT as well as those stats,

(39:28):
how do we put in the resources to make sure
we've got the right services, the right programs, the right initiatives.
The school holiday program that Jinsen talked about, we were
really proud to have, you know, eight years of really
strong programs spession in places like Catherine for the Big
Rivers region where those holiday programs, businesses who are putting
up their time and their efforts during that school holiday

(39:51):
period to make sure young people are engaged more of
those positive conversations and engagement pieces across the territory. But
also what are the things that we're not funded for?
What are we're not resourced for where are those gaps?
So they're that really heavy conversations.

Speaker 3 (40:06):
Opposition just short of that though, I mean short of funding.
We spoke earlier about AFP ADF support. Is that that's
a conversation that could be hard with the Prime Minister.

Speaker 2 (40:15):
They are common and I believe, yeah, I believe that's
already being had as well with those federal members, our
labor members. So again they'll be the conversations that I
can continue as a labor opposition. I believe the Chief
Minister is having those conversations. I haven't had a chat
with her since yesterday, I mean since she's been in
Alice Springs, so I believe that's the type of conversation

(40:35):
she's having. I can only do so much in opposition,
but I'll absolutely represent the territory to the best of
my ability with my team in opposition.

Speaker 1 (40:44):
We are going to take a really quick break before
we get ready to wrap up for the morning. You
are indeed listening to Mix one O four point nine.
It is the week that was, well, that is just
about it for us for this morning, and that is
our final week that was for this year. Next week
we are are going to be focusing quite heavily on
Cyclone Tracy, the memorial and territory and stories in the

(41:07):
leading to the fiftieth anniversary. So a big Merry Christmas
to all of you. Harry Brill from the NT News,
thanks so much for joining us this morning.

Speaker 3 (41:15):
Thanks Katie Jins and.

Speaker 1 (41:17):
Charles the Minister for People, Sport and Culture. Lovely to
have you in the studio for your first week.

Speaker 4 (41:23):
That was Thanks Katy. And drive safe on territory roads
during the Christmas time and you see like a lot
of police presents on the road, so make sure, like
I think you are doing the right thing.

Speaker 1 (41:33):
And Selena Rubo, thank you so much for your time
this morning. Opposition leader, thank you so much Katie.

Speaker 2 (41:39):
And to your listeners, I hope everyone gets some time
with their family and their friends and their colleagues to
celebrate the end of the year in a safe way
and come back refreshed and renewed for twenty twenty five.
But same like Jinson, please stay safe on our tertiary roads.
We need a lot of rain and Catherine recently, so
kick those headlights on in the rain please and stay
safe and look after each other this Christmas and New Year.

Speaker 1 (42:00):
Good advice. Thank you all so very much for your time.
You are listening to Mix one oh four nine. That
was the week.

Speaker 2 (42:06):
That was