Marianne Zeinstra
To the Chair and members of the NTER Review Board
I, Marianne Zeinstra rsj presently a resident of Amata Community in the APY Lands and a frequent visitor to Alice Springs for shopping ,business and medical appointments, call for the abolition of the blanket Income Management measure. I understand that this widespread quarantining is causing forced movement from communities to camps in the larger towns so that children are becoming more, not less vulnerable.
The NT Anti Discrimination Commisioner Tony Fitzgerald recently said; 'Quarantining is the most discriminating and unfair process. It's not based on fault or on any concept of fairness.' I support instead, the recent call of NT Aboriginal people to apply this measure on a case by case basis.
A process similar to that used by the The Cape York Welfare Reform trial could be appropriate. They use a Family Responsibilities Commission (FRC) whose members are drawn from local community elders The Commission is charged with ensuring that people live up to their responsibilities as welfare recipients. Four obligations are attached to welfare payments , namely:
- making sure kids attend school
- keeping kids safe from harm and neglect
- not committing drug, alcohol or family violence offences
- abiding by tenancy agreements
The FRC have the power to determine whether a breach of obligation has occurred and the appropriate recourse for a breach. If welfare recipients do not adhere to these expectations, then the FRC may put part or all of their welfare under income management. This means that welfare payments are put aside for essential expenses such as housing, food, clothing, education and medicines.
Thank you for providing the opportunity to comment on the N.T. Intervention. I will pray for a spirit of discernment , openness and wisdom for all members as you proceed through the compiling process and prepare your report to government.
Yours sincerely
Marianne Zeinstra rsj
Amata Community Family Centre PMB via Alice Springs 0872