APONT calls on Finocchiaro to govern for all Territorians by properly engaging with the sector

The Aboriginal Peak Organisations Northern Territory Aboriginal Corporation (APONT) is calling on the NT Government to honour its promise to govern for all Territorians, noting a series of reforms including changes to the Anti-Discrimination Act (1992) Youth Justice Bill being counter to that promise.

APONT Chair Dr John Paterson said, “these are significant steps backward and more knee-jerk reactions by this Government, without thought about the impact and harm these actions will cause”.

These changes are amongst mounting reforms, like lowering the age of criminal responsibility and broadening criminal histories when sentencing, that disproportionately affect Aboriginal people.

APONT condemns the Northern Territory Government’s call to remove detention as a last resort for children and the reinstatement of spit hoods in youth detention.

Dr Paterson said, “There is a reason spit hoods were banned in the first place. They are barbaric, dangerous and can cause lasting psychological and physical health issues, particularly when used on vulnerable children who have already experienced trauma, cognitive disabilities and mental health disorders This is not new information and for the Government to reinstate spit-hoods knowing this is irresponsible.

“Decades of evidence shows that the use of spit hoods poses significant risks and that concerns around officer safety can be addressed by a range of other measures. Spit hoods are not about safety, they are a tool of inhumane and degrading treatment, and they have no place in the Territory.”

“This Government promises to govern for all Territorians, but its actions don’t say that at all. It can’t go on like this. There is no interest from the Government to engage with our sector in providing real and humane solutions – and it’s our children and communities that suffer the consequences.” Dr Paterson said.

Dr Paterson urged the Government to move forward with real consultation and engagement with Aboriginal communities.