Further enquiries contact:
Andrew Yule on 0448 380 455 or 9412 6137 or Andrew.yule@anglicarevic.org.au
Media Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
25 November 2009
Changes to NT response a step in the right direction
Anglicare Victoria today welcomed the Federal Government decision to repeal
income management measures imposed on Indigenous communities in the Northern
Territory and replace them with more mainstream measures to manage welfare and
family payment spending on essentials such as food and housing.
Anglicare Victoria CEO Dr Ray Cleary said the new measures showed a more
reasoned and thought out strategy to improving outcomes for the most vulnerable
members of the community.
“The Australian Federal Government has responded to the community’s call for
consultation and has developed a road map to address issues of disadvantage that
recognises the complexity of the situation and the individual needs of different
communities across the Territory.”
While income management, alcohol restrictions and pornography restrictions will
remain in place, Indigenous communities can apply to have the measures reduced
or tailored to suit their specific needs and risks.
“Where the previous measures were draconian and paternalistic, the new road map
strikes the balance between protecting children and communities while offering
incentives to improve outcomes and an opportunity to remove restrictions where
appropriate.”
An important aspect of the new measures will be the introduction of legislation into
Parliament to repeal all Northern Territory Emergency Response laws that suspend the
operation of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975.
“It is impossible to move forward in a positive light while the suspension of the Racial
Discrimination Act remains in place,” said Dr Cleary.
“The removal of laws that suspend the Act in combination with consideration to
reduce restrictions on a case-by-case basis and the broadening of welfare payment
management to include all vulnerable members of the community are positive steps
to address inequality and extreme poverty faced by many Indigenous Australians.”
However, Dr Cleary expressed concern about the lack of outcomes achieved so far
in improving health and housing outcomes for Indigenous Australians and urged the
Federal Government to continue consulting with the community and working towards
closing the gap of Indigenous disadvantage.
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