The comments made this week by Northern Territory Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro, labelling concerned Territorians “offender apologists” are not only deeply offensive, they are a gross dereliction of her duty as a leader for all people in the NT.
‘To suggest that those who are advocating for evidence-based, humane, and effective approaches to community safety are somehow indifferent to harm or condone violence is not just disingenuous, it is dangerous,’ said Debbie Kilroy.
‘It silences critical voices, fuels division, and undermines the real work being done by community members, service providers, and advocates to build a safer Territory for everyone,’ said Debbie Kilroy.
‘Chief Minister Finocchiaro’s job is to care for the entire community, not just a select few. Her responsibility is to keep all Territorians safe, including the children she is so quick to criminalise. Her inflammatory rhetoric may serve short-term political goals, but it does nothing to address the long-term drivers of harm: poverty, homelessness, lack of access to education, health care, and culturally safe support,’ said Tabitha Lean.
‘Prisons in the NT are already overflowing. Stripping children of their human rights and investing in carceral expansion will not solve these issues. Locking kids up and throwing away the key is not a plan, it’s an abdication of leadership,’ said Tabitha Lean.
‘The National Network reject the framing of those who advocate for safer, more just communities as “apologists.” What we are is responsible citizens. We believe in safety for all, not just some. We believe the way to reduce harm is by resourcing communities, not criminalising them,’ said Debbie Kilroy.
‘It is the Chief Minister’s approach that is failing Territorians. If she is serious about public safety, she must ensure that every child and family has access to what they need to thrive: housing, health care, education, and social support. These are not luxuries. They are the very foundations of a safe and just society, and they are the very things her government is failing to deliver,’ said Debbie Kilroy.
The National Network make no apologies for standing up for all Territorians. We call on the Chief Minister to do the same.
For further comment, please contact Debbie Kilroy on 0419 762 474 or Tabitha Lean on 0499 780 226
