Residents in the rural community of Humpty Doo, thousands of kilometers from Canberra, are making their displeasure known. With the May 3 federal election approaching, their complaints are getting louder. The town is known for having the world’s largest statue of a boxing crocodile. Yet it wrangles with big issues, like the absence of local jobs and increasing housing expenses. Those hit hardest are families in adjacent Binjari, an Aboriginal community, which have been living with substandard housing and long-term unemployment.
The local community has been waiting for results from a $4 billion housing funding settlement unveiled more than a year ago. Almost no improvement has been seen, causing deepening frustration among constituents. Trust in federal politicians has plummeted. That need is most acute in the NT’s rural and remote areas, which contributed to the Lingiari electorate registering the lowest voter turnout in the country at the previous election. We were thrilled to see nearly three out of four enrolled voters engaging in the democratic process.
Economic Hardships and Community Struggles
Residents in Humpty Doo are starting to feel the bite of the current fiscal crisis. These rising costs are leaving families, even those with stable incomes, unable to afford essentials like food and clothing for their children. This reality is compounded by a lack of local job prospects, which has contributed to a sense of hopelessness for many.
Leonie Raymond, a local resident, shared her family’s struggles with housing:
“We have to sleep in one room, and then my other two sons, who both go to high school, they sleep in another room.”
For example, she told us that at times her sons are forced to sleep on the couch. Different times, they find their way into the living room. The lack of accessible and affordable housing options does more than just severely inconvenience. They profoundly affect the emotional health of families for all residents in our community.
She further emphasized that rising costs make it difficult for families to afford basic needs:
“I think that’s what’s causing a lot of the kids to do break-ins in town because they see their parents have no money to support them.”
Thousands of residents are doubting the ability of their local and federal politicians to address these urgent matters. This community of practice was born out of that frustration and doubt.
“It’s bad enough with rent, but now we struggle to pay for food and clothes for our kids.”
With the federal election fast approaching, plenty of our neighbours seem to be feeling an increasing sense of cynicism about all things political. The Humpty Doo Hotel has become a community hub. Residents organize together there to collectively express their political pain, anger and discussion over negligence. Carol Gardiner, a frequent patron, voiced her dissatisfaction:
Political Apathy and Local Sentiment
She continued to express her disdain for political matters, saying simply:
“I care about the roads being sh**y and the council bins because my other half pays rates which are a ridiculous price for what you get, which is nothing.”
Far away from any city, local resident Kristy Saurine says it feels like politicians forget about places like hers. She noted:
“Other than that, I really hate politics.”
This sentiment strikes a strong chord among denizens who feel snubbed and dismissed by their own elected officials.
“They don’t care about us out in the country; they only worry about the capital cities.”
With election day just around the corner, pressure is mounting for politicians to be held accountable. Residents are asking their federal representatives to act on the issues that most concern them. Marty Davidson, a local advocate, stated:
The Need for Accountability
The community’s outrage speaks volumes, as the clamoring becomes impossible to ignore in its demand to prioritize the concerns of those most affected. Riitta Aksila added:
“On a day-by-day basis I meet people who need help.”
This united front is no accident, but a distinct and deliberate strategy. It calls on elected leaders to put more focus on rural needs rather than on urban ones.
“I think it’s time politicians are held accountable.”
This collective voice reflects a demand for change and a desire for elected officials to focus on rural issues rather than urban concerns.
