[Greens-Media] Stop NT roll-out and assess the evidence: Greens

[Twomey, Chris (Sen R. Siewert)]

Stop NT roll-out and assess the evidence: Greens

The Australian Greens called on the Minister for Indigenous Affairs
Jenny Macklin not to extend the roll-out of welfare quarantining any
further until evidence of problems and undue hardship caused by the
measures had been properly assessed.

"We have heard on-the-ground evidence of some serious problems with the
way in which efforts to quarantine welfare is breaking down," said
Senator Rachel Siewert today.

"Under these circumstances it is imperative that the Minister does not
extend compulsory welfare quarantining any further."

"She should halt the roll-out and immediately focuses her efforts on
addressing these problems."

"The Rudd Labor Government has stated very clearly that it is committed
to evidence-based policy in Indigenous Affairs ... and yet it is still
pushing on with these ill-conceived policies of John Howard's for which
there was never any evidence," said Senator Siewert.

"Today another 450 Aboriginal people in Darwin, Palmerston, Adelaide
River and Belyuen will be unfairly subject to this old-world,
paternalistic approach."

"We are calling on the government to come good on their commitment to
review the impacts of the intervention in the Northern Territory and to
live up to its promise that we would never again repeat the mistakes of
the past," concluded Senator Siewert.

Form more information or comment call

Chris Twomey on 0407 725 025