Queensland Commitment to NT Emergency

Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Mal Brough, today welcomed a commitment by Queensland Premier Peter Beattie to support the NT emergency operations with Queensland Police.

Mr Brough thanked Mr Beattie for a constructive phone discussion today within which Mr Beattie indicated he would support the Commonwealth request for police to help the children in remote communities in the NT.

Premier Beattie also indicated that Queensland also wanted to engage with the Commonwealth on addressing some remote Aboriginal needs within Queensland.

In particular Queensland is looking for support for police stations and police housing in several remote Indigenous communities in order to house an increased police presence.

"I welcome this support for those young Australians who need our collective help and have undertaken to arrange discussions at a senior level to also work with Queensland around the remote police housing needs mentioned by the Premier," Mr Brough said.

"This is consistent with the Australian Government’s offer at the summit last year and I am delighted with this opportunity to work constructively together to the benefit of the well being of Aboriginal children."