Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the Garma Festival, wearing a hat and no tie. He recently announced $4.3 million in funding for a new economic empowerment plan to further support Indigenous communities. His speech responded to the urgent appeals for action with respect to the Country Liberal Party’s tough-on-crime agenda in the Northern Territory. The critics say that this agenda has an outsized negative effect on First Nations people.
Ned Jampijinpa Hargraves, a prominent Indigenous leader, wrote a letter to Albanese earlier this year, seeking action against the CLP’s policies and urging the Prime Minister to oppose what he termed “apartheid laws” that oppress Indigenous Australians. Hargraves drew attention to the soaring rates of Indigenous incarceration during CLP rule. This has all skyrocketed despite the party’s own recent bail reforms and new youth laws passed.
Urgent Appeals for Justice
During his address at the Garma Festival, Albanese emphasized the government’s responsibility to serve the nation and effect positive change. He stated, “The privilege of government is the chance to serve this nation and to change it, to leave it for the better.” His commitment to economic empowerment never wavered. The issues that Hargraves highlighted regarding the impact of these policies on Indigenous people continue today.
In his letter to Albanese, Hargraves attacked the CLP’s tough-on-crime initiatives as “archaic.” He likened them to highway designs that might be found in the 1950’s or 1960’s. He criticized the government’s approach, stating, “They are using their power to destroy us, to take away our rights.” Hargraves’ report called for urgent action in order to show a real commitment to justice and equality.
“Take action now. Make history by demonstrating to the Australian public and the international community that you no longer support apartheid laws that continue to oppress First Nations people.” – Ned Jampijinpa Hargraves
Hargraves further demanded that an independent investigation body be established to look into Aboriginal deaths in custody, following the tragic incidents involving Kumunjayi Walker and Kumunjayi White. Walker died from a police shooting in an outback town, while White died in custody in Alice Springs earlier this year. To avoid this lack of transparency, Hargraves called for police to release CCTV footage of White’s death immediately.
Government Response and Criticism
The trouble is, the CLP government is doubling-down on its tough-on-crime agenda. Steve Edgington argues that these policies have not had a disproportionate impact on Aboriginal people. He remarked, “What we’re trying to do is get on top of the issues that we’re being faced with coming into government.” As Nonprofit Quarterly has shared, many Indigenous leaders and activists vigorously reject this perspective. They contend that the existing laws have fueled fear and insecurity in their neighborhoods.
Hargraves articulated the urgency of these issues, expressing that “Our children and their children’s children cannot be living in fear.” His passionate words are an example of the deepening frustration expressed by Indigenous Australians who have felt disheartened and ignored by current policies and practices.
Unfortunately, the Prime Minister’s inaction in response to Hargraves’ June letter has only fanned the flames of these calls for a swift intervention. Fully informed consultation required Many in the Indigenous community view this breach with the utmost gravity. It neglects to respond to the urgent challenges affecting their quality of life.
The Path Forward
As Australia grapples with its historical injustices toward Indigenous people, the pressure mounts on leaders like Albanese to take decisive action. The funding announced at Garma represents a step towards economic empowerment but does little to alleviate the immediate need for justice reform.
Still, Hargraves’ letters and public statements have struck a chord with Australians who long for greater accountability, transparency, and change. He has made it clear that systemic reform is crucial: “I say to you, prime minister, you have got the power to turn this around and put a stop to it.”
