Macklin Meets Northern Territory Emergency Taskforce

The Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, today met with the Northern Territory Emergency Taskforce to discuss the progress of emergency measures in the Northern Territory (NT).

“I had a very valuable meeting today with the NT Emergency Response Taskforce,” Ms Macklin said.

“The taskforce members are doing an excellent job in what continues to be a very challenging environment.”

The taskforce briefed the Minister on a range of operational matters relating to the roll out of the emergency response.

“I discussed the direction of the NT emergency response work over the coming months and confirmed my desire to receive ongoing advice from the Taskforce on any issues arising from implementation,” Ms Macklin said.

“I emphasised that the Government is committed to an evidence-based approach in assessing progress.”

The Chair of the Taskforce, Magistrate Dr Sue Gordon, expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to review progress with the Minister.

“I’m pleased the Minister is committed to working in partnership with Indigenous communities and the NT Government to tackle the problems of child abuse and improve the future prospects of Indigenous children and their families,” Dr Gordon said.

Ms Macklin outlined priorities for ongoing operations, including improved ongoing consultation and stronger economic development initiatives.

Ms Macklin and the Taskforce members agreed on the importance of better education, health and employment outcomes to ensure the emergency response is sustainable into the future.