Statement from Social Justice Commissioner June Oscar AO about alleged NT sexual assault
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice
Published:
Topic(s): Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice / Indigenous Social Justice
I am deeply saddened about what has occurred in the Northern Territory town of Tennant Creek and my thoughts are with the 2 year old girl and her loved ones.
It’s important the investigations launched by the Northern Territory government and the Northern Territory Children’s Commissioner, find out how this terrible tragedy has occurred.
As a community we all carry a responsibility to ensure our children are safe and we must ensure that policies, programs and services adequately support the safety of women and children in regional areas, such as Tennant Creek.
This case has highlighted that alcohol can be a contributing factor to horrific crimes and can put our most vulnerable at risk. I encourage the whole community to work together to find a solution to the management of alcohol in Tennant Creek.
I call on the Northern Territory government, Northern Territory Police and Aboriginal community leaders to develop effective harm minimisation measures that protect the whole community.