August 5, 2026 • 11 mins
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
We've been talking a lot about the petrol prices and
keeping a very close eye on those petrol prices. I
think every single lassie is without a doubt watching the
fuel prices and they're continuing to climb. And we really
don't have a huge idea of where that ceiling is.
And because I mean, we're going to continue to talk
about it, because it is bloody important, right and it's
(00:20):
having a big impact on a lot of people in
a lot of different ways. Now joining us on the
line is Amanda Murphy. She's the president of the Isolated
Children's Association of the Northern Territory. Good morning, Amanda, Morning Katie.
Lovely to have you on the show. Amanda, for a
bit of reference, tell us you know where are you in?
What part of the Northern Territory.
Speaker 2 (00:42):
So I live on a cattle station between Daily Waters
and burl La, so about five hundred and fifty kilometers
to the southeast of Catherine and it's about eight hundred
and fifty kmeter drive to Darwin.
Speaker 1 (00:55):
No doubt those petrol prices would be having a big
impact for you if you need to get anywhere.
Speaker 2 (01:02):
Oh mate, Katie, look, it is a it is a
big concern not just us in the ordn territory, as
you said, right across Australia. So it is a big
concern and it is a major concern for our families
that live in rural and remote regions that have to
(01:23):
educate their kids through distinance, educational send them off to
boarding school. So it really is a big concern for
our families and kids that are trying to educate their
kids in the bush.
Speaker 1 (01:33):
And Amanda, the thing is like when you live as
remote and as you do, and there's a lot of
territories that live very remote, you know, it's not an
option of of oh do I want to send my
kids off to boarding school. It's like, well you have
to have them educated and that's really the only option
you've got.
Speaker 2 (01:51):
Absolutely, So we I've just completed forteen years of school
the air to recat from school the air and now
my kids all off at boarding school interstate. And it
is that we have no choice but to use these
amazing schools like the School of the Captain School is
amazing school, but we can't go to the school down
(02:12):
the road. And then when we come to high school
we send them off to boarding school due to.
Speaker 3 (02:19):
The due to the fact of our isolation.
Speaker 1 (02:21):
So tell me what kind of impact are these rising
prices having on families like yours, lots of other Northern
Territory families at the moment in terms of you know,
getting your kids to boarding school, but then try like
trying to see them as well throughout the year.
Speaker 2 (02:39):
Absolutely, Katie, So eight flights a year in and out
of Darwin.
Speaker 3 (02:45):
I'm just using myself for as an example.
Speaker 2 (02:47):
For the moment. It is a big cost. But like
anyone who's accessing flights at the moment, it's a huge
cost on our pocket and it is really really hard
to cover those costs during the year. And if you
do want to go off and you get a chance
that might be able to fly down and see the
(03:07):
kids for the weekend was pretty much impossible at the
moment with just number one, getting to Darwin to put
my kids on a plane is a day's drive, a
night's accommodation, jump on a plane.
Speaker 3 (03:19):
It is.
Speaker 2 (03:20):
Yeah, it is a big cost and it it really
is hurting.
Speaker 3 (03:24):
Kids that live in the rural and remote regions.
Speaker 2 (03:26):
Because you know, if you can't, if we can't have
affordable education, then people that want to live within these
rural and remote regions that are supporting our agricultural industry,
our local and remote police stations for example. Then you
know these people are going to just pack up and
leave the NT.
Speaker 1 (03:45):
Oh, it's just about to say that, you guys, like,
let's be real about it. You like the backbone of
the Northern Territory, as you said, you know, supporting so
many different sectors and industries. And if you weren't there
doing that, if we didn't have pastoral lists, we didn't
have people working in the agriculture sector, what on earth
would we do. I mean, just pointing out the fact
(04:06):
that you've got to drive eight hundred kilometers plus to
get to Darwin, then you've got to fly out eight times.
That is unbelievable in terms of what it must be
costing you.
Speaker 2 (04:18):
Astronomical and you know, before the before they do good
as on the listening say well, you do choose where
you live. Yeah, we do choose where we live. But
the thing is that if we don't live out here,
then as you said, the agriculture industry, the partial is
partial industry will fild. And it's not just a partial industry.
You know, there's remote police stations, there's kids that live there.
(04:42):
You know, there's roadhouses, there's supermarkets. It's anyone that lives
in rural and remote areas that need to send their
kids off for a good education, well for a quality education.
So as part of the Isolated Children's Parents Association, and
that's what we advocate for to make sure that you know,
(05:03):
the relevant ministers, Minister of Education and Minister of Agriculture
knows and remembers that these families live out here and
without support and continued you know, advocacy from us, then
you know they're going to be forgotten about and we're
back to with no one living out here, and we
(05:23):
need we need people out there.
Speaker 1 (05:25):
That's exactly right. And you know, like the thing is,
most people I know that live out Bush and live
in a more rural or remote area are pretty bloody tough.
You don't winge, that's for sure.
Speaker 3 (05:36):
You know.
Speaker 1 (05:36):
It's not as if I'm speaking to you often, Amanda, So.
Speaker 2 (05:41):
Yeah, I said to We're not winging. We just need
to make sure everyone remembers that. Yeah. Well, and so
we love it and we love the territory and we
really want to make sure that we can continue to
support our families and their kids and you know, your
families around and you.
Speaker 3 (05:59):
People will stay.
Speaker 1 (06:00):
Yeah, you're spotled. So tell me, I mean, is there
any support for you guys? We know that it's already
been a bloody tough year in terms of the extreme
wit season that we had was there, you know, is
there any support for you guys that do need to
send your children away for boarding school and you know
that are in this situation?
Speaker 2 (06:20):
So the Department of Education does give us a small
student assistance allowance, which is you know, you have to
apply for through grands end tee and there's different different
rules and regulations around that. You know, it barely barely
covers the cost of one flight.
Speaker 3 (06:37):
No, no, that's a little bit unfair.
Speaker 2 (06:39):
It does cover a little tiny bit of your of
the expenses. That is, you're out of pocket to get
your kids to and from not only not only.
Speaker 3 (06:49):
Boarding school kids CA.
Speaker 2 (06:50):
You've got to remember the distance d kids that come
in from stations and go to contact events for example,
for a week in Catherine. You know, that's a week
off work, a week's accommodation and everyone knows what accommodation.
Speaker 3 (07:00):
Is like in this time of year because tourist season, So.
Speaker 2 (07:06):
There is there is a little bit of assistance, but
we are calling on the government for an increase to
this assistance to keep up with the rising cost and
the fuel costs is what we're predominantly talking about. The travel,
just the travel to get to and from these education events.
Speaker 3 (07:22):
And as we know, if you have a quality education you're.
Speaker 2 (07:24):
Going to you're going to life is going to be
not too bad once you get through the other end
of it.
Speaker 3 (07:29):
So we're just looking in equity and education.
Speaker 2 (07:32):
It doesn't matter where you live.
Speaker 1 (07:34):
So what is your message this morning for the government?
I mean, you've sort of laid it out there, but
what is the message for them?
Speaker 2 (07:41):
We just want them to make sure that they're recognizing
the kids that live in the rural and remote areas,
the kids and their families that are that are you know,
it comes to a point of time when they won't
be able to attend these contact events or get the
kids to the plane to get them back to school.
So we just want to make or that they are
(08:01):
aware that we need an increase to this allowance and
we need additional assistance with travel, particularly when the fuel
cost is just well, we don't know where are they
going to end up.
Speaker 1 (08:13):
Like what's the fuel cost like for you though as well?
If you do need to get you know, to Catherine
first off and then to Darwin, Like I'm assuming that, Well,
I guess you'd probably fill up in Catherine, but if
you do have to fill up somewhere a bit more remote,
did it be astronomical, wouldn't it?
Speaker 3 (08:29):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (08:30):
Well, every rule and remote roadhouse has to obviously cover
their costs. Yeah, but you know that's an extra twenty thirty,
forty fifty cents depending on where you're traveling from. You know,
I travel through the Barkley home set, I'd travel through
the Highway in and that obviously they.
Speaker 3 (08:46):
Have to cover their costs, but it.
Speaker 2 (08:48):
Is, it is definitely more expensive. We'd get bulk field
deliveries out here like every rural and remote area, but
that's you know, it's just every invoice is just.
Speaker 3 (09:02):
More and more.
Speaker 2 (09:04):
So it is really really concerning, so huh scary.
Speaker 1 (09:10):
It is bloody tough going. And I think that, you know,
for a lot of us we have a winge about
the petrol prices and fair fair call, but then for
you guys, it's just a whole other level. Yeah, absolutely,
ye Amandra, I really appreciate your having a chat with
us this morning and giving us a bit more detail
about this. And look, you know it'd be really hard
(09:30):
as a parent as well. You want to see your
kids and you want to be able to bring them
home as well. But gee, it'll be expensive.
Speaker 2 (09:37):
Oh Katie, it's terrible. And it's not only the expense,
it's the emotional told you know, like you've got to
send your kids off and you don't see him for
weeks and I get emotional just talking about it. You know,
four kids and you don't see him for ten weeks
at a time. And you know, last felidays will flat
out mushing for a little buggers but had them working
(09:59):
h holidays. But look, it is tough. It's tough on families,
and you know it's that extra cost of fights and
feel well you can't afford to just go and see.
Speaker 3 (10:12):
Them for a weekend.
Speaker 2 (10:13):
And yeah, it's it's it's something we just need to
keep as a part of the Isolated Children's Parents Association.
Will keep working towards advocating.
Speaker 3 (10:23):
For our families that live in live in these.
Speaker 2 (10:26):
Areas and and.
Speaker 3 (10:28):
You know, yeah, it's important to make sure that kids
really do have equity.
Speaker 1 (10:33):
Yeah, and I'll tell you what, You're a bloody resilient woman, Amanda, geez,
I was about to cry them when you're talking about
the kids. It doesn't take much for me but sympathy. Grier.
Oh mate, you're a good woman. It'll be hard being
away from your kids like that, and it is absolutely
(10:53):
for the beast for them, but those petrol prices stinging
in a whole different way.
Speaker 2 (10:59):
Absolutely, Thanks Scottie, thanks your time.
Speaker 1 (11:01):
Good to talk to you anytime. Thank you so much
for having a chat with us.
We've been talking a lot about the petrol prices and
keeping a very close eye on those petrol prices. I
think every single lassie is without a doubt watching the
fuel prices and they're continuing to climb. And we really
don't have a huge idea of where that ceiling is.
And because I mean, we're going to continue to talk
about it, because it is bloody important, right and it's
(00:20):
having a big impact on a lot of people in
a lot of different ways. Now joining us on the
line is Amanda Murphy. She's the president of the Isolated
Children's Association of the Northern Territory. Good morning, Amanda, Morning Katie.
Lovely to have you on the show. Amanda, for a
bit of reference, tell us you know where are you in?
What part of the Northern Territory.
Speaker 2 (00:42):
So I live on a cattle station between Daily Waters
and burl La, so about five hundred and fifty kilometers
to the southeast of Catherine and it's about eight hundred
and fifty kmeter drive to Darwin.
Speaker 1 (00:55):
No doubt those petrol prices would be having a big
impact for you if you need to get anywhere.
Speaker 2 (01:02):
Oh mate, Katie, look, it is a it is a
big concern not just us in the ordn territory, as
you said, right across Australia. So it is a big
concern and it is a major concern for our families
that live in rural and remote regions that have to
(01:23):
educate their kids through distinance, educational send them off to
boarding school. So it really is a big concern for
our families and kids that are trying to educate their
kids in the bush.
Speaker 1 (01:33):
And Amanda, the thing is like when you live as
remote and as you do, and there's a lot of
territories that live very remote, you know, it's not an
option of of oh do I want to send my
kids off to boarding school. It's like, well you have
to have them educated and that's really the only option
you've got.
Speaker 2 (01:51):
Absolutely, So we I've just completed forteen years of school
the air to recat from school the air and now
my kids all off at boarding school interstate. And it
is that we have no choice but to use these
amazing schools like the School of the Captain School is
amazing school, but we can't go to the school down
(02:12):
the road. And then when we come to high school
we send them off to boarding school due to.
Speaker 3 (02:19):
The due to the fact of our isolation.
Speaker 1 (02:21):
So tell me what kind of impact are these rising
prices having on families like yours, lots of other Northern
Territory families at the moment in terms of you know,
getting your kids to boarding school, but then try like
trying to see them as well throughout the year.
Speaker 2 (02:39):
Absolutely, Katie, So eight flights a year in and out
of Darwin.
Speaker 3 (02:45):
I'm just using myself for as an example.
Speaker 2 (02:47):
For the moment. It is a big cost. But like
anyone who's accessing flights at the moment, it's a huge
cost on our pocket and it is really really hard
to cover those costs during the year. And if you
do want to go off and you get a chance
that might be able to fly down and see the
(03:07):
kids for the weekend was pretty much impossible at the
moment with just number one, getting to Darwin to put
my kids on a plane is a day's drive, a
night's accommodation, jump on a plane.
Speaker 3 (03:19):
It is.
Speaker 2 (03:20):
Yeah, it is a big cost and it it really
is hurting.
Speaker 3 (03:24):
Kids that live in the rural and remote regions.
Speaker 2 (03:26):
Because you know, if you can't, if we can't have
affordable education, then people that want to live within these
rural and remote regions that are supporting our agricultural industry,
our local and remote police stations for example. Then you
know these people are going to just pack up and
leave the NT.
Speaker 1 (03:45):
Oh, it's just about to say that, you guys, like,
let's be real about it. You like the backbone of
the Northern Territory, as you said, you know, supporting so
many different sectors and industries. And if you weren't there
doing that, if we didn't have pastoral lists, we didn't
have people working in the agriculture sector, what on earth
would we do. I mean, just pointing out the fact
(04:06):
that you've got to drive eight hundred kilometers plus to
get to Darwin, then you've got to fly out eight times.
That is unbelievable in terms of what it must be
costing you.
Speaker 2 (04:18):
Astronomical and you know, before the before they do good
as on the listening say well, you do choose where
you live. Yeah, we do choose where we live. But
the thing is that if we don't live out here,
then as you said, the agriculture industry, the partial is
partial industry will fild. And it's not just a partial industry.
You know, there's remote police stations, there's kids that live there.
(04:42):
You know, there's roadhouses, there's supermarkets. It's anyone that lives
in rural and remote areas that need to send their
kids off for a good education, well for a quality education.
So as part of the Isolated Children's Parents Association, and
that's what we advocate for to make sure that you know,
(05:03):
the relevant ministers, Minister of Education and Minister of Agriculture
knows and remembers that these families live out here and
without support and continued you know, advocacy from us, then
you know they're going to be forgotten about and we're
back to with no one living out here, and we
(05:23):
need we need people out there.
Speaker 1 (05:25):
That's exactly right. And you know, like the thing is,
most people I know that live out Bush and live
in a more rural or remote area are pretty bloody tough.
You don't winge, that's for sure.
Speaker 3 (05:36):
You know.
Speaker 1 (05:36):
It's not as if I'm speaking to you often, Amanda, So.
Speaker 2 (05:41):
Yeah, I said to We're not winging. We just need
to make sure everyone remembers that. Yeah. Well, and so
we love it and we love the territory and we
really want to make sure that we can continue to
support our families and their kids and you know, your
families around and you.
Speaker 3 (05:59):
People will stay.
Speaker 1 (06:00):
Yeah, you're spotled. So tell me, I mean, is there
any support for you guys? We know that it's already
been a bloody tough year in terms of the extreme
wit season that we had was there, you know, is
there any support for you guys that do need to
send your children away for boarding school and you know
that are in this situation?
Speaker 2 (06:20):
So the Department of Education does give us a small
student assistance allowance, which is you know, you have to
apply for through grands end tee and there's different different
rules and regulations around that. You know, it barely barely
covers the cost of one flight.
Speaker 3 (06:37):
No, no, that's a little bit unfair.
Speaker 2 (06:39):
It does cover a little tiny bit of your of
the expenses. That is, you're out of pocket to get
your kids to and from not only not only.
Speaker 3 (06:49):
Boarding school kids CA.
Speaker 2 (06:50):
You've got to remember the distance d kids that come
in from stations and go to contact events for example,
for a week in Catherine. You know, that's a week
off work, a week's accommodation and everyone knows what accommodation.
Speaker 3 (07:00):
Is like in this time of year because tourist season, So.
Speaker 2 (07:06):
There is there is a little bit of assistance, but
we are calling on the government for an increase to
this assistance to keep up with the rising cost and
the fuel costs is what we're predominantly talking about. The travel,
just the travel to get to and from these education events.
Speaker 3 (07:22):
And as we know, if you have a quality education you're.
Speaker 2 (07:24):
Going to you're going to life is going to be
not too bad once you get through the other end
of it.
Speaker 3 (07:29):
So we're just looking in equity and education.
Speaker 2 (07:32):
It doesn't matter where you live.
Speaker 1 (07:34):
So what is your message this morning for the government?
I mean, you've sort of laid it out there, but
what is the message for them?
Speaker 2 (07:41):
We just want them to make sure that they're recognizing
the kids that live in the rural and remote areas,
the kids and their families that are that are you know,
it comes to a point of time when they won't
be able to attend these contact events or get the
kids to the plane to get them back to school.
So we just want to make or that they are
(08:01):
aware that we need an increase to this allowance and
we need additional assistance with travel, particularly when the fuel
cost is just well, we don't know where are they
going to end up.
Speaker 1 (08:13):
Like what's the fuel cost like for you though as well?
If you do need to get you know, to Catherine
first off and then to Darwin, Like I'm assuming that, Well,
I guess you'd probably fill up in Catherine, but if
you do have to fill up somewhere a bit more remote,
did it be astronomical, wouldn't it?
Speaker 3 (08:29):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (08:30):
Well, every rule and remote roadhouse has to obviously cover
their costs. Yeah, but you know that's an extra twenty thirty,
forty fifty cents depending on where you're traveling from. You know,
I travel through the Barkley home set, I'd travel through
the Highway in and that obviously they.
Speaker 3 (08:46):
Have to cover their costs, but it.
Speaker 2 (08:48):
Is, it is definitely more expensive. We'd get bulk field
deliveries out here like every rural and remote area, but
that's you know, it's just every invoice is just.
Speaker 3 (09:02):
More and more.
Speaker 2 (09:04):
So it is really really concerning, so huh scary.
Speaker 1 (09:10):
It is bloody tough going. And I think that, you know,
for a lot of us we have a winge about
the petrol prices and fair fair call, but then for
you guys, it's just a whole other level. Yeah, absolutely,
ye Amandra, I really appreciate your having a chat with
us this morning and giving us a bit more detail
about this. And look, you know it'd be really hard
(09:30):
as a parent as well. You want to see your
kids and you want to be able to bring them
home as well. But gee, it'll be expensive.
Speaker 2 (09:37):
Oh Katie, it's terrible. And it's not only the expense,
it's the emotional told you know, like you've got to
send your kids off and you don't see him for
weeks and I get emotional just talking about it. You know,
four kids and you don't see him for ten weeks
at a time. And you know, last felidays will flat
out mushing for a little buggers but had them working
(09:59):
h holidays. But look, it is tough. It's tough on families,
and you know it's that extra cost of fights and
feel well you can't afford to just go and see.
Speaker 3 (10:12):
Them for a weekend.
Speaker 2 (10:13):
And yeah, it's it's it's something we just need to
keep as a part of the Isolated Children's Parents Association.
Will keep working towards advocating.
Speaker 3 (10:23):
For our families that live in live in these.
Speaker 2 (10:26):
Areas and and.
Speaker 3 (10:28):
You know, yeah, it's important to make sure that kids
really do have equity.
Speaker 1 (10:33):
Yeah, and I'll tell you what, You're a bloody resilient woman, Amanda, geez,
I was about to cry them when you're talking about
the kids. It doesn't take much for me but sympathy. Grier.
Oh mate, you're a good woman. It'll be hard being
away from your kids like that, and it is absolutely
(10:53):
for the beast for them, but those petrol prices stinging
in a whole different way.
Speaker 2 (10:59):
Absolutely, Thanks Scottie, thanks your time.
Speaker 1 (11:01):
Good to talk to you anytime. Thank you so much
for having a chat with us.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Betrayal Weekly
Betrayal Weekly is back for a new season. Every Thursday, Betrayal Weekly shares first-hand accounts of broken trust, shocking deceptions, and the trail of destruction they leave behind. Hosted by Andrea Gunning, this weekly ongoing series digs into real-life stories of betrayal and the aftermath. From stories of double lives to dark discoveries, these are cautionary tales and accounts of resilience against all odds. From the producers of the critically acclaimed Betrayal series, Betrayal Weekly drops new episodes every Thursday. If you would like to share your story, you can reach out to the Betrayal Team by emailing them at betrayalpod@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram at @betrayalpod and @glasspodcasts. Please join our Substack for additional exclusive content, curated book recommendations, and community discussions. Sign up FREE by clicking this link Beyond Betrayal Substack. Join our community dedicated to truth, resilience, and healing. Your voice matters! Be a part of our Betrayal journey on Substack.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com