May 12, 2026 • 17 mins
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
All eyes on the impact more broadly, but for territorians,
we were wondering what was going to be in it
for the Northern Territory. Now joining us live on the
line is indeed the Minister for Indigenous Australian. She's also
the Senator for the Northern Territory, Melanderie McCarthy. Good morning
to you, Good.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
Morning Katie, and a big hello to all your listeners.
Lovely to be with you.
Speaker 1 (00:22):
Now, Senator. These changes on negative gearing and the capital
gains tax, they've been heavily criticized by the opposition, who
say that the government has directly broken an election promise.
Why did the government feel that this change had to
be made even though it meant an election commitment would
be broken and they'd really be able to use that
(00:45):
line that the government's not trustworthy.
Speaker 2 (00:48):
It's important to reach out to Australians in this particular time, Katie,
given what's happened with the Middle East and the changes
that we've had to make to adjust to even fuel reserves.
Here in our budget, we've acknowledged that talking to parents,
to grandparents, to young people and seeing them locked out
(01:09):
of the market, that we had to take a different position,
and that position is towards the capital gains tax and
negative gearing.
Speaker 1 (01:18):
How do you reckon it's going to work in meaningful terms,
because there's been a lot of commentary this morning, people
saying it's going to have the reverse impact, and ultimately
what we might see is, you know, investors putting those
rents up to make sure that they're still sort of
covering their costs.
Speaker 2 (01:33):
Well overall across the country. We expect, through Treasurer Jim
Chalmers and Finance Minister Katie Gallagher's work on this, that
over time the government's housing policies Katie will put downward
pressure on rentals and that is what we will expect.
But I do want to hear from Northern Territory listeners
(01:55):
over the next six to twelve months as to how
they're going.
Speaker 1 (01:58):
So you are keen to sort of give that feedback
because I know that the HIA national think.
Speaker 2 (02:03):
It's important, absolutely absolutely. I mean yeah, I know.
Speaker 1 (02:08):
That the HIO, the Housing Industry of Australia nationally had
sort of you know, they'd sent out a statement last
night saying that it's really not going to hit the
mark in the way that the federal government is hoping
and that what we're going to see is less new
homes built and effectively less supply.
Speaker 2 (02:23):
Potentially, well, that's not the case. In terms of why
we've made this decision. We obviously want to look at supply,
but what we want even more is our younger Australians.
It's the young people of Australia who are really missing out.
This has been an important decision enough for us to
take this road in order to enable the next generation
(02:46):
of Australians a fair go.
Speaker 1 (02:48):
Melandarri. Is it just about votes? I mean, we know
that the baby boomers are getting older, they're may be
set in their ways in terms of how they vote.
Is this just about getting younger people to vote for labor?
Speaker 2 (03:02):
Look, we're helping seventy five thousand more Australians into their
first home by making the tax rules fair and by
building more homes. Katie, and those tax rules impact everyone.
I mean in the Northern Territory alone, this is going
to impact one hundred and twenty thousand people and that
includes people of all ages. So we know that this
(03:23):
is an important decision to make for this budget.
Speaker 1 (03:26):
Now we know the headline was the tax break as
well for more than thirteen million working Australians. How's that
two hundred and fifty dollars a year tax benefit really
going to have an impact with the cost of living
situation that we're all experiencing at the moment. I mean,
if you've got a diesel car, which a lot of
us in the Northern Territory do, if you're traveling vast distances,
(03:48):
it's barely going to touch the sides.
Speaker 2 (03:51):
Well, we know that we've had to do a lot
of other things as well in terms of cost of living.
For example, we've certainly looked at the fuel excise. We've
certainly looked at in terms of health, the medicare, urgent
care clinics across the Northern Territory, the pharmaceutical benefits scheme.
So when we look at cost of living, it's not
(04:12):
just one specific area, it is a whole suite of
areas that we can try and help Australians right across
the country.
Speaker 1 (04:20):
Malandarra, you just touched on some of those areas of health,
and definitely those urgent care clinics for example, have had
a big impact. It doesn't look though, as though there's
anything new when it comes to health. For the Northern
Territory and one of the areas we've spoken quite a
bit about in recent times is maternity services. Am I
(04:42):
missing something or is there nothing in there for that
maternity ward at the hospital.
Speaker 2 (04:48):
Well, look, in terms of health, we have contributed an
incredible amount to the Northern Territory, in particular to the
NT government, and the NT is projected to be seven
hundred and forty one million dollars better off and that's
really important in terms of the public hospital funding arrangements
over the five years you know, to twenty thirty thirty
(05:09):
one KD. So it really does come down to ongoing
conversations with the Anti government, but we have injected significant
funds in the health sector.
Speaker 1 (05:19):
Look, I think a few months ago that argument in
terms of those ongoing conversations might have cut it. But
you know, we've been in a situation since the beginning
of the year, actually towards the end of last year
where we've been talking about this maternity funding for Royal
Darwin Hospital after the private ward closed at the Darwin
Private Hospital and the impact that that has had. More broadly,
(05:40):
I know that the Northern Territory government had said I
can't remember exactly what the figure was to begin with
that they'd asked for from the Feds. Now Luke Gosling
had joined us on the show, he had said that
the detail hadn't been provided. Then we spoke to the
Health Department. They had provided that further detail that the
federal government had been seeking, and the revised figure was
(06:01):
eleven million dollars. But we are still not there yet,
And all the while we've got mums contacting these shows
saying also, it is not where it needs to be.
I just don't get how there's not eleven million in
the federal budget for maternity services, but we're spending thirteen
point six on a football, you know, high performance center
(06:23):
in Saint George.
Speaker 2 (06:26):
Can I say to the mums and the families listening
that it is critical that we've put seven hundred and
forty one million dollars into health, especially for the public
hospital funding that's gone into there. We've got the Medicare
agent care clinics, We've got ten million for care Flight,
sixty million for the construction of new residential age care homes. Katie.
(06:48):
These are decisions as well that the Northern Churchory government
needs to consider in terms of how it's spending its money.
Speaker 1 (06:55):
Yeah, I get it, but you know as well as
I do that our healthcare system, like it is, whether
labor's in power, whether the CLP is in power, it's
under stress like we have got you know, we have
got a population that unfortunately in a lot of ways
you know, is sicker maybe than what we are in
other parts of Australia. So that additional funding is absolutely needed.
(07:16):
That seven hundred and forty one million dollars is absolutely needed.
But through the discussions we've had with the likes of
the AMA, the Australian Medical Associations doctor John Zorbis, it's
simply not enough. And then when you look at you know,
infrastructure spend, we actually need the support of the federal government.
The Northern Territory government can't go it alone, no matter
(07:37):
whether you're talking about the CLP or the ALP.
Speaker 2 (07:41):
Well, we know that the Northern Territory relies on eighty
percent of the Commonwealth to have its budget, Katie, but
we've also been able to give sixty six million extra
just in the twenty twenty six twenty seven to help
address the cost pressures associated with issues in the Northern Territory. Again,
you have a Northern Territory government that has to make
those So.
Speaker 1 (08:01):
Are you saying that the Northern Territory government needs to
from the funding that they've already received from the federal
government when it comes to health for the operations of
health here in the Northern Territory, that they need to
find that eleven million dollars for maternity services from that
funding that we've already we've already had ear marked previously.
Speaker 2 (08:20):
Look, private hospitals are an important part of his own
health system, Katy, and access to maternity services are primarily
the responsibility of the state.
Speaker 1 (08:28):
But I me, we're talking about infrastructure within the maternity war.
You know, we've heard from mums that have unfortunately been
in a situation where they're laboring, you know, in in
hall or waiting areas of maternity you know, does like
does that seem good enough to you?
Speaker 2 (08:48):
Katie? All I can say is what I've said already
that maternity services are primarily the responsibility of the state
and territory governments. So we have contributed funding to the
Northern Territory governments.
Speaker 1 (09:00):
I have to find that money somewhere in the budget
that they've already got.
Speaker 2 (09:05):
Well, we've provided funding to the Northern Territory government. It's
incredible amounts of funding. You know, budgets really come down
to each state and territory as well in terms of
how they use that money. And I'll certainly be having
further conversations as well.
Speaker 1 (09:20):
All right, We've got Steve Edgington, the Health Minister, on
this morning as well after ten o'clock, so we'll talk
more about that. MELANDERI when we look at roads and
some of that road infrastructure, I believe that there's some
money that's been invested on to Baggott Road, or that's
been earmark for Baggott Road. Is that correct?
Speaker 2 (09:38):
That is correct. I know that there has been work
done with the Infrastructure Minister, Catherine King and the Northern
Territory government, so there is funding that's going towards the
scope in terms of Baggett Road. That's an additional twenty
four million under the Infrastructure Investment Program and.
Speaker 1 (09:57):
Any other any other sort of you know, big spends
when we talk about our roads that we should be
aware of or that our listeners should be aware of.
Speaker 2 (10:06):
Look, at this point in time, we know that a
significant amount of money has gone to the Northern Territory
government with roads, you know, roads like the road to
whatever example. We have still yet to see the funding
and the roads built with the previous money that's been provided,
so i'd certainly encourage the money that has been provided
(10:27):
for those roads to go ahead.
Speaker 1 (10:28):
Anything else in the budget for the territory you reckon.
Our listeners need to be aware of this morning.
Speaker 2 (10:35):
Oh look, I think it's really important just that they're
aware about the tax sort of incentives here. Katie and
I know that the concern for all Australians in regards
to our budget is the cost of living and we
have tried to round that off, especially given what's happening
with the global situation.
Speaker 1 (10:56):
Now, Minister, I do want to move along and just
move our focus to the Northern Territory government. Today they're
set to announce changes to overhaul the child protection system,
with the proposed changes to place child safety above all
other considerations when children are removed from unsafe homes. Now,
the governments say that they're going to amend the Care
(11:17):
and Protection of Children Act to introduce a new universal
principle making the safety and best interests of the child
the top priority, regardless of race or background. So essentially
the changes are also going to alter the Aboriginal child
placement principle, which currently prioritizes placing Aboriginal children with family
or within the community and culture. The reforms indeed come
(11:41):
amid the national debate we saw it yesterday in the
Federal Parliament, not so much debate, but certainly acknowledgment of
what had happened in Alice Springs with the absolute tragedy
involving Kumanjai little baby in Alice. Minister, these changes would
place safety ahead of cultural placement considerations. Do you support
(12:02):
that approach?
Speaker 2 (12:05):
Well? Firstly, can I just say the condolence motion in
the Senate was important to have Kadi to send a
message to the families from both Central Australian also the
Gringi families Calgarinji in terms of what happened, but also
to the police and emergency services and the hundreds and
(12:26):
hundreds and hundreds of volunteers to thank them for the
work that they did. And it really was beautiful to
see people from all walks of life come together and
sadly we didn't get the outcome we wanted in that search,
so I wanted to just put that on the record
of your show. But in terms of what's happening in
the Northern Territory Parliament, I would just ensure that any
(12:50):
work that's done around child removal and the safety of
children is also done with the experts in this field,
whether it's the Children's Commissioner of the Northern Territory, the
National Children's Commissioner, SNAKE, the body that is the voice
for children across Australia. So it's important that those organizations
(13:13):
are very much involved, and I certainly hope that the
Northern Territory government has reached out to them.
Speaker 1 (13:19):
I mean just taking that into account, though the Northern
Territory or the National Children's Commissioner, they could have done
their own independent look into what had occurred in Alice
Springs as well, couldn't they.
Speaker 2 (13:30):
Well, I'm sure they've reached out as well. I did
see a press release yesterday saying that they would be
looking at this, but also urging the Northern Territory to
reach out to them. I'm sure they're there trying to
do the same. I must have met. I've been caught
up with what's happening here in Canberra, but I can
say this, Katie, that in terms of the minister's announcement,
I have certainly reached out to her offers through my
(13:53):
staff to get a briefing on what her intentions and
plans are, and I certainly had to do that once
I get back.
Speaker 1 (13:59):
To I mean, certainly looking at this, you know, from
a broader perspective, and these changes, looking at or placing
the Aboriginal child placement principle, which currently prioritizes placing Aboriginal
children with family or within community and culture, putting that really,
(14:20):
you know, secondary to the safety of the child. Surely
that surely that is common sense.
Speaker 2 (14:27):
Well, every child everywhere should be safe. I mean that's
a given. That's something that we should all expect as
decent human beings. I mean, we want our children to
grow up in a safe environment. What I'm urging the
Northern Territory government to do is to make sure that
if you're doing anything in regards to the Aboriginal placement principle,
(14:49):
please speak to the Aboriginal organizations who should also be contributing.
Speaker 1 (14:54):
Minister. I know that critics say that the current Aboriginal
child placement principle can sometimes make harder to remove children
from unsafe environments. Quickly enough. Do you believe the system's
been too cautious in some cases?
Speaker 2 (15:09):
Well, it's interesting that you bring a legislation to the
Parliament and call for a review. The review, I would
have thought would enable evidence to be shown as to
how or why you should take a piece of legislation
to parliament. I'm not sure because I haven't had that
direct conversation with Minister Klee. What kind of inquiries or
(15:31):
reviews were done for this particular legislation to go before
the parliament, And these are the things I'd like to
check in with her when I get back to Darwin.
Speaker 1 (15:40):
Well, look, we'd you to have her on the show
in just a couple of minutes as well, just before
I let you go. There are, indeed, then concerns from
Indigenous leaders that weakening the placement principle could repeat past
mistakes and make further disconnect Aboriginal children. Well, it may
further disconnect Aboriginal children from culture and community. How do
you think we balance this? Because you know, we obviously
(16:02):
know the tragedy that's occurred in Alice Springs. You know,
two weeks ago it broke the hearts. I think of
every territory and what happened to Kumanjai little baby. But
then we also know there's been some horrendous reports come
out of at least one other community reported in the
Australian newspaper in the last week or so of a
little baby twenty five days old, you know, also allegedly
(16:28):
suffering from head injuries and other injuries. How do we
get this right?
Speaker 2 (16:36):
Well, we have to make sure we talk to the
people involved. I think what you don't want to do
is leave people out of this conversation, especially when you're
looking at legislation, and especially when you're focusing on the
families who know how difficult life is for them and
what it is that they would like to see change.
(16:57):
They should be part of the conversation. And I'd really
encourage the Northern Territory government to make sure it's doing that.
Speaker 1 (17:04):
Senator Melandiarry mccafey also Minister for Indigenous Australians. I'm gonna
have to leave it there. I've got the Minister on
hold waiting for me. Thank you so very much for
your time this morning. It's much appreciated.
Speaker 2 (17:15):
Thank you, Thank you.
All eyes on the impact more broadly, but for territorians,
we were wondering what was going to be in it
for the Northern Territory. Now joining us live on the
line is indeed the Minister for Indigenous Australian. She's also
the Senator for the Northern Territory, Melanderie McCarthy. Good morning
to you, Good.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
Morning Katie, and a big hello to all your listeners.
Lovely to be with you.
Speaker 1 (00:22):
Now, Senator. These changes on negative gearing and the capital
gains tax, they've been heavily criticized by the opposition, who
say that the government has directly broken an election promise.
Why did the government feel that this change had to
be made even though it meant an election commitment would
be broken and they'd really be able to use that
(00:45):
line that the government's not trustworthy.
Speaker 2 (00:48):
It's important to reach out to Australians in this particular time, Katie,
given what's happened with the Middle East and the changes
that we've had to make to adjust to even fuel reserves.
Here in our budget, we've acknowledged that talking to parents,
to grandparents, to young people and seeing them locked out
(01:09):
of the market, that we had to take a different position,
and that position is towards the capital gains tax and
negative gearing.
Speaker 1 (01:18):
How do you reckon it's going to work in meaningful terms,
because there's been a lot of commentary this morning, people
saying it's going to have the reverse impact, and ultimately
what we might see is, you know, investors putting those
rents up to make sure that they're still sort of
covering their costs.
Speaker 2 (01:33):
Well overall across the country. We expect, through Treasurer Jim
Chalmers and Finance Minister Katie Gallagher's work on this, that
over time the government's housing policies Katie will put downward
pressure on rentals and that is what we will expect.
But I do want to hear from Northern Territory listeners
(01:55):
over the next six to twelve months as to how
they're going.
Speaker 1 (01:58):
So you are keen to sort of give that feedback
because I know that the HIA national think.
Speaker 2 (02:03):
It's important, absolutely absolutely. I mean yeah, I know.
Speaker 1 (02:08):
That the HIO, the Housing Industry of Australia nationally had
sort of you know, they'd sent out a statement last
night saying that it's really not going to hit the
mark in the way that the federal government is hoping
and that what we're going to see is less new
homes built and effectively less supply.
Speaker 2 (02:23):
Potentially, well, that's not the case. In terms of why
we've made this decision. We obviously want to look at supply,
but what we want even more is our younger Australians.
It's the young people of Australia who are really missing out.
This has been an important decision enough for us to
take this road in order to enable the next generation
(02:46):
of Australians a fair go.
Speaker 1 (02:48):
Melandarri. Is it just about votes? I mean, we know
that the baby boomers are getting older, they're may be
set in their ways in terms of how they vote.
Is this just about getting younger people to vote for labor?
Speaker 2 (03:02):
Look, we're helping seventy five thousand more Australians into their
first home by making the tax rules fair and by
building more homes. Katie, and those tax rules impact everyone.
I mean in the Northern Territory alone, this is going
to impact one hundred and twenty thousand people and that
includes people of all ages. So we know that this
(03:23):
is an important decision to make for this budget.
Speaker 1 (03:26):
Now we know the headline was the tax break as
well for more than thirteen million working Australians. How's that
two hundred and fifty dollars a year tax benefit really
going to have an impact with the cost of living
situation that we're all experiencing at the moment. I mean,
if you've got a diesel car, which a lot of
us in the Northern Territory do, if you're traveling vast distances,
(03:48):
it's barely going to touch the sides.
Speaker 2 (03:51):
Well, we know that we've had to do a lot
of other things as well in terms of cost of living.
For example, we've certainly looked at the fuel excise. We've
certainly looked at in terms of health, the medicare, urgent
care clinics across the Northern Territory, the pharmaceutical benefits scheme.
So when we look at cost of living, it's not
(04:12):
just one specific area, it is a whole suite of
areas that we can try and help Australians right across
the country.
Speaker 1 (04:20):
Malandarra, you just touched on some of those areas of health,
and definitely those urgent care clinics for example, have had
a big impact. It doesn't look though, as though there's
anything new when it comes to health. For the Northern
Territory and one of the areas we've spoken quite a
bit about in recent times is maternity services. Am I
(04:42):
missing something or is there nothing in there for that
maternity ward at the hospital.
Speaker 2 (04:48):
Well, look, in terms of health, we have contributed an
incredible amount to the Northern Territory, in particular to the
NT government, and the NT is projected to be seven
hundred and forty one million dollars better off and that's
really important in terms of the public hospital funding arrangements
over the five years you know, to twenty thirty thirty
(05:09):
one KD. So it really does come down to ongoing
conversations with the Anti government, but we have injected significant
funds in the health sector.
Speaker 1 (05:19):
Look, I think a few months ago that argument in
terms of those ongoing conversations might have cut it. But
you know, we've been in a situation since the beginning
of the year, actually towards the end of last year
where we've been talking about this maternity funding for Royal
Darwin Hospital after the private ward closed at the Darwin
Private Hospital and the impact that that has had. More broadly,
(05:40):
I know that the Northern Territory government had said I
can't remember exactly what the figure was to begin with
that they'd asked for from the Feds. Now Luke Gosling
had joined us on the show, he had said that
the detail hadn't been provided. Then we spoke to the
Health Department. They had provided that further detail that the
federal government had been seeking, and the revised figure was
(06:01):
eleven million dollars. But we are still not there yet,
And all the while we've got mums contacting these shows
saying also, it is not where it needs to be.
I just don't get how there's not eleven million in
the federal budget for maternity services, but we're spending thirteen
point six on a football, you know, high performance center
(06:23):
in Saint George.
Speaker 2 (06:26):
Can I say to the mums and the families listening
that it is critical that we've put seven hundred and
forty one million dollars into health, especially for the public
hospital funding that's gone into there. We've got the Medicare
agent care clinics, We've got ten million for care Flight,
sixty million for the construction of new residential age care homes. Katie.
(06:48):
These are decisions as well that the Northern Churchory government
needs to consider in terms of how it's spending its money.
Speaker 1 (06:55):
Yeah, I get it, but you know as well as
I do that our healthcare system, like it is, whether
labor's in power, whether the CLP is in power, it's
under stress like we have got you know, we have
got a population that unfortunately in a lot of ways
you know, is sicker maybe than what we are in
other parts of Australia. So that additional funding is absolutely needed.
(07:16):
That seven hundred and forty one million dollars is absolutely needed.
But through the discussions we've had with the likes of
the AMA, the Australian Medical Associations doctor John Zorbis, it's
simply not enough. And then when you look at you know,
infrastructure spend, we actually need the support of the federal government.
The Northern Territory government can't go it alone, no matter
(07:37):
whether you're talking about the CLP or the ALP.
Speaker 2 (07:41):
Well, we know that the Northern Territory relies on eighty
percent of the Commonwealth to have its budget, Katie, but
we've also been able to give sixty six million extra
just in the twenty twenty six twenty seven to help
address the cost pressures associated with issues in the Northern Territory. Again,
you have a Northern Territory government that has to make
those So.
Speaker 1 (08:01):
Are you saying that the Northern Territory government needs to
from the funding that they've already received from the federal
government when it comes to health for the operations of
health here in the Northern Territory, that they need to
find that eleven million dollars for maternity services from that
funding that we've already we've already had ear marked previously.
Speaker 2 (08:20):
Look, private hospitals are an important part of his own
health system, Katy, and access to maternity services are primarily
the responsibility of the state.
Speaker 1 (08:28):
But I me, we're talking about infrastructure within the maternity war.
You know, we've heard from mums that have unfortunately been
in a situation where they're laboring, you know, in in
hall or waiting areas of maternity you know, does like
does that seem good enough to you?
Speaker 2 (08:48):
Katie? All I can say is what I've said already
that maternity services are primarily the responsibility of the state
and territory governments. So we have contributed funding to the
Northern Territory governments.
Speaker 1 (09:00):
I have to find that money somewhere in the budget
that they've already got.
Speaker 2 (09:05):
Well, we've provided funding to the Northern Territory government. It's
incredible amounts of funding. You know, budgets really come down
to each state and territory as well in terms of
how they use that money. And I'll certainly be having
further conversations as well.
Speaker 1 (09:20):
All right, We've got Steve Edgington, the Health Minister, on
this morning as well after ten o'clock, so we'll talk
more about that. MELANDERI when we look at roads and
some of that road infrastructure, I believe that there's some
money that's been invested on to Baggott Road, or that's
been earmark for Baggott Road. Is that correct?
Speaker 2 (09:38):
That is correct. I know that there has been work
done with the Infrastructure Minister, Catherine King and the Northern
Territory government, so there is funding that's going towards the
scope in terms of Baggett Road. That's an additional twenty
four million under the Infrastructure Investment Program and.
Speaker 1 (09:57):
Any other any other sort of you know, big spends
when we talk about our roads that we should be
aware of or that our listeners should be aware of.
Speaker 2 (10:06):
Look, at this point in time, we know that a
significant amount of money has gone to the Northern Territory
government with roads, you know, roads like the road to
whatever example. We have still yet to see the funding
and the roads built with the previous money that's been provided,
so i'd certainly encourage the money that has been provided
(10:27):
for those roads to go ahead.
Speaker 1 (10:28):
Anything else in the budget for the territory you reckon.
Our listeners need to be aware of this morning.
Speaker 2 (10:35):
Oh look, I think it's really important just that they're
aware about the tax sort of incentives here. Katie and
I know that the concern for all Australians in regards
to our budget is the cost of living and we
have tried to round that off, especially given what's happening
with the global situation.
Speaker 1 (10:56):
Now, Minister, I do want to move along and just
move our focus to the Northern Territory government. Today they're
set to announce changes to overhaul the child protection system,
with the proposed changes to place child safety above all
other considerations when children are removed from unsafe homes. Now,
the governments say that they're going to amend the Care
(11:17):
and Protection of Children Act to introduce a new universal
principle making the safety and best interests of the child
the top priority, regardless of race or background. So essentially
the changes are also going to alter the Aboriginal child
placement principle, which currently prioritizes placing Aboriginal children with family
or within the community and culture. The reforms indeed come
(11:41):
amid the national debate we saw it yesterday in the
Federal Parliament, not so much debate, but certainly acknowledgment of
what had happened in Alice Springs with the absolute tragedy
involving Kumanjai little baby in Alice. Minister, these changes would
place safety ahead of cultural placement considerations. Do you support
(12:02):
that approach?
Speaker 2 (12:05):
Well? Firstly, can I just say the condolence motion in
the Senate was important to have Kadi to send a
message to the families from both Central Australian also the
Gringi families Calgarinji in terms of what happened, but also
to the police and emergency services and the hundreds and
(12:26):
hundreds and hundreds of volunteers to thank them for the
work that they did. And it really was beautiful to
see people from all walks of life come together and
sadly we didn't get the outcome we wanted in that search,
so I wanted to just put that on the record
of your show. But in terms of what's happening in
the Northern Territory Parliament, I would just ensure that any
(12:50):
work that's done around child removal and the safety of
children is also done with the experts in this field,
whether it's the Children's Commissioner of the Northern Territory, the
National Children's Commissioner, SNAKE, the body that is the voice
for children across Australia. So it's important that those organizations
(13:13):
are very much involved, and I certainly hope that the
Northern Territory government has reached out to them.
Speaker 1 (13:19):
I mean just taking that into account, though the Northern
Territory or the National Children's Commissioner, they could have done
their own independent look into what had occurred in Alice
Springs as well, couldn't they.
Speaker 2 (13:30):
Well, I'm sure they've reached out as well. I did
see a press release yesterday saying that they would be
looking at this, but also urging the Northern Territory to
reach out to them. I'm sure they're there trying to
do the same. I must have met. I've been caught
up with what's happening here in Canberra, but I can
say this, Katie, that in terms of the minister's announcement,
I have certainly reached out to her offers through my
(13:53):
staff to get a briefing on what her intentions and
plans are, and I certainly had to do that once
I get back.
Speaker 1 (13:59):
To I mean, certainly looking at this, you know, from
a broader perspective, and these changes, looking at or placing
the Aboriginal child placement principle, which currently prioritizes placing Aboriginal
children with family or within community and culture, putting that really,
(14:20):
you know, secondary to the safety of the child. Surely
that surely that is common sense.
Speaker 2 (14:27):
Well, every child everywhere should be safe. I mean that's
a given. That's something that we should all expect as
decent human beings. I mean, we want our children to
grow up in a safe environment. What I'm urging the
Northern Territory government to do is to make sure that
if you're doing anything in regards to the Aboriginal placement principle,
(14:49):
please speak to the Aboriginal organizations who should also be contributing.
Speaker 1 (14:54):
Minister. I know that critics say that the current Aboriginal
child placement principle can sometimes make harder to remove children
from unsafe environments. Quickly enough. Do you believe the system's
been too cautious in some cases?
Speaker 2 (15:09):
Well, it's interesting that you bring a legislation to the
Parliament and call for a review. The review, I would
have thought would enable evidence to be shown as to
how or why you should take a piece of legislation
to parliament. I'm not sure because I haven't had that
direct conversation with Minister Klee. What kind of inquiries or
(15:31):
reviews were done for this particular legislation to go before
the parliament, And these are the things I'd like to
check in with her when I get back to Darwin.
Speaker 1 (15:40):
Well, look, we'd you to have her on the show
in just a couple of minutes as well, just before
I let you go. There are, indeed, then concerns from
Indigenous leaders that weakening the placement principle could repeat past
mistakes and make further disconnect Aboriginal children. Well, it may
further disconnect Aboriginal children from culture and community. How do
you think we balance this? Because you know, we obviously
(16:02):
know the tragedy that's occurred in Alice Springs. You know,
two weeks ago it broke the hearts. I think of
every territory and what happened to Kumanjai little baby. But
then we also know there's been some horrendous reports come
out of at least one other community reported in the
Australian newspaper in the last week or so of a
little baby twenty five days old, you know, also allegedly
(16:28):
suffering from head injuries and other injuries. How do we
get this right?
Speaker 2 (16:36):
Well, we have to make sure we talk to the
people involved. I think what you don't want to do
is leave people out of this conversation, especially when you're
looking at legislation, and especially when you're focusing on the
families who know how difficult life is for them and
what it is that they would like to see change.
(16:57):
They should be part of the conversation. And I'd really
encourage the Northern Territory government to make sure it's doing that.
Speaker 1 (17:04):
Senator Melandiarry mccafey also Minister for Indigenous Australians. I'm gonna
have to leave it there. I've got the Minister on
hold waiting for me. Thank you so very much for
your time this morning. It's much appreciated.
Speaker 2 (17:15):
Thank you, Thank you.
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