Justice signing by CLP disputed
THE Opposition wants the Aboriginal Justice Agreement modified over concerns it does not do enough to address the safety of Indigenous women.
In parliament last week, CLP leader Lia Finocchiaro said her party had also been unable to sit down and sign the document with other parties of the agreement, calling on the government to facilitate bipartisanship.
“I have not been contacted directly by the AttorneyGeneral (Selena Uibo) or the Chief Minister,” Ms Finocchiaro said.
“They know very well that I said to them that I would sit next to you and sign it.”
She said the CLP was set to go to Kalkarindji to sign the AJA, but did not go ahead because of Covid-19.
She said the AJA only mentioned “victims” once.
“Given the rate of victimisation of Aboriginal people, particularly Aboriginal women and children, it would be prudent for any government to make sure that this document deals with victims,” Ms Finocchiaro
In response, AttorneyGeneral Ms Uibo said the CLP had had “every chance to sign the AJA” and rejected the argument it ignored victims.
“Victims are acknowledged throughout (the) whole strategy,” she said.
“The Aboriginal Justice Agreement is just one part of the Everyone Together Aboriginal Affairs Strategy 2019-29 which aims to improve the lives of Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory.
“Lia Finocchiaro wants to make this about all herself rather than the Territorians who will benefit from the AJA.”