[Greens-Media] More comprehensive change to the NT Intervention needed

[Norton, Tim (Sen R. Siewert)]

More comprehensive change to the NT Intervention needed
Tuesday 29th April 2008
 
The Senate Inquiry into the NT Intervention Consolidation Bill heard
evidence today from the Alice Springs community that there were
continuing problems with the intervention and serious community concern
about the amount of money they felt was being wasted.

"There continues to be a lot of concern with increased levels of
drinking in the town and the 'urban drift' of people from prescribed
communities into town," said Senator Siewert. 

"Alice Springs Town Council reported an increase in the number of people
coming into town with many rough sleepers forming new campsites on the
fringe of town."

"We also heard from a number of sources how the lack of understanding of
the store cards given to Aboriginal families in prescribed communities
continues to result in both chaos and waste," said Senator Siewert.

Despite the fact that the terms of reference for today's hearing were
limited to the changes to the permit system, licensing of roadhouses as
community stores and censorship of satellite television ... most
witnesses wanted to speak about welfare quarantining, continuing and
emerging social problems, and perceptions of money being wasted.

"It is very clear from the evidence received by the Committee that the
legislation needs many more changes than the tinkering around the edges
contained in the NT Intervention Consolidation Bill, and many witnesses
expressed their desire to contribute to a thorough review of the
intervention."

"The suspension of the Racial Discrimination Act continues to be a major
source of concern, and failure to address community concerns that the
broader legislation is racist will remain a sticking point for the new
ALP Government in trying to better direct the intervention," said
Senator Siewert.

"We support the calls for a more thorough analysis of this evidence and
look forward to seeing what the upcoming review reveals," concluded
Senator Siewert.
 
For more information or comment call Chris Twomey on 0407 725 025
Email senator.siewert at aph.gov.au  |  http://www.rachelsiewert.org.au