The National Network of Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls stands in deep solidarity with Yiŋiya Guyula MLA following his decision to step down as the Member for Mulka after a decade of extraordinary leadership, resistance and service to his people.

‘We have enormous respect for Mr Guyula and for the strength it takes to walk away from an institution that continually refuses to listen to Aboriginal people,’ said Debbie Kilroy. 

His statement should be read as an indictment of successive Northern Territory governments and, particularly, the current CLP Government.

Mr Guyula has described Aboriginal communities being treated as a “political football”, governments refusing genuine partnership, laws being imposed without consultation, and policies that are “dehumanising, oppressing and destroying” Aboriginal communities.

We believe him.

‘As criminalised and formerly incarcerated women, we have watched the NT Government pursue an increasingly punitive agenda against Aboriginal children, families and communities. It has expanded policing, prisons and punishment while Aboriginal leaders continue to call for something entirely different: sovereignty, self-determination, community-led solutions and genuine partnership,’ said Debbie Kilroy.

‘The Government cannot keep claiming it wants to improve the lives of Aboriginal people while refusing to listen to Aboriginal people,’ said Debbie Kilroy. 

Mr Guyula entered Parliament carrying the voices of his people. For ten years, he demanded that governments sit down, listen and work respectfully with Yolŋu communities. His decision to leave Parliament and return to Country is not a retreat from leadership. It is a powerful statement about where leadership, responsibility and accountability actually reside.

‘We have nothing but respect for Yiŋiya Guyula. For a decade he has stood inside that Parliament and told governments what his people need, while governments have continued to act as though they know better. The arrogance of the colonial state is breathtaking,’ said Tabitha Lean.

‘When an Aboriginal leader of Mr Guyula’s standing says that government actions are contributing to the destruction of his people and culture, governments should not become defensive. They should shut up and listen,’ said Tabitha Lean.

The National Network condemns the NT Government’s continued pursuit of laws and policies that criminalise, incarcerate and remove Aboriginal children rather than investing power and resources in Aboriginal communities themselves.

We send our respect and solidarity to Mr Guyula, his family, the people of Mulka and Yolŋu communities grieving profound losses while continuing the work of protecting Country, culture and future generations.

Yolŋu rom ŋurruŋu – Yolŋu way first.

For further comment, please contact Debbie Kilroy on 0419 762 474 or Tabitha Lean on 0499 780 226.