Older Women's Network NSW
To Whom It May Concern:
As members of the Older Women’s Network (NSW) we call upon the Federal Government to implement the following in relation to the Northern Territory Intervention (as set out in the Northern Territory National emergency Response Act 2007).
1. Target those issues, which together create environments of neglect in which sexual, physical and psychological abuse can flourish. To this end we recommend the development of:
- a comprehensive program of employment creation
- targeted delivery of a wide variety of health services, including training
- significant improvements in housing provision, in consultation with communities
- a major focus on educational reform and expansion
- a sustained police presence.
2. Review the operation of the income management scheme so that it is does not discriminate against groups and individuals who demonstrably, are not at risk.
3. Reinstate the CDEP program.
4. In consultation with communities, periodically examine the operation and effectiveness of the alcohol management scheme under the intervention legislation.
Specifically, review the success or otherwise of the policy of designating areas as ‘dry’ and critically assess the usefulness of this policy for the future.
5. Reinstate protections against racial discrimination in the operation of the NT intervention legislation and more broadly reinstate protections against discrimination in the Northern Territory. Such protections as contained in the Commonwealth (Racial Discrimination Act and the Northern Territory Anti-Discrimination Act should be restored to their previous active status.
6. Ensure the effective participation of Indigenous peoples in all aspects of the intervention - developing Community Partnership links wherever feasible.
7. Remove the provisions declaring that legislation constitutes a ‘special measure’, and simultaneously set a timetable for the transition from the emergency phase of the intervention to a viable community development plan.
8. Ensure that proper legal procedures are followed in all dealings involving indigenous property.
Cate Turner
On behalf of OWN NSW Management