The NT’s Paperless Arrest Mess
“We can’t arrest ourselves out of this mess”: former NT Police Association President Vince Kelly.
NT Health Minister John Elferink on death, dollars and dialysis
"Renal failure is a post-colonial disease, short and simple. The causes of renal failure are complex. But what we do know is that the highest rates of kidney disease are found in fourth world communities. This is the situation we face in central and remote Australia." Sarah Brown, Western Desert Dialysis
Joe Hockey was right – Adam Giles’ push for NT Statehood is a joke
NT Chief Minister Adam Giles may be looking for a new career in stand-up comedy with his latest "Statehood" routine. Joe Hockey was laughing like a drain and I nearly drove into one. Here is why ...
The Minister, a shady Japanese bar and the $5200 4am hospitality tab
NT Deputy Speaker Matt Conlan: "I can confidently and categorically refute and dismiss these allegations. At no stage in my life have I ever been held in any form of foreign gaol or ever had any encounter with foreign police."
On “lifestyle choices” – an open letter to PM Tony Abbott from footballer Matthew Stokes
Comments like those made recently by our Prime Minister only serve to empower the ugly side of our society. For what it’s worth, I don’t think Mr Abbott was deliberately being racist, but one comment from someone in such a powerful position can cause so much damage.
Dumping on the Chief. Robyn Lambley on NT Chief Minister Adam Giles and more
I have no faith in a government lead by Adam Giles. I have stated publicly I believe Adam Giles has no integrity. I stand by that statement, and that alone is enough to mean he should not hold a position of community leadership. I believe a political party should be bigger than one person and as such I have not sought to depart from the Country Liberal Party. Robyn Lambley, 24 February 2015.
My first Crikey piece. “Tony Jones has a big night out in Darwin”
"Lateline and Tony Jones are up for a Walkley Award. Nothing could be more disgraceful in Australian journalism. The fact that this program has been nominated undermines the Walkley Awards … I think it is an absolute disgrace that he is invited here for the media awards on Saturday night." Syd Stirling, Deputy Chief Minister, NT Legislative Assembly, 19 October 2006.
The NT gets an “F for FAIL” on remote community education
At one of the COAG working party negotiations that I attended one state representative remarked that there was no point giving any funds to the NT because they wouldn’t deliver the goods and that the close-the-gap target could be achieved by focusing on the Indigenous population in the eastern states alone. Let’s not make this chilling black humour a reality.
“I’m fucking Australian!” Section 18C is alive and kicking on the mean streets of Darwin
“You’re a fucking Indian mate. Have a respect for our country … speak English. It’s our country. Australia mate. White people. You’re not white." “Mate you’re from fucking India. You’re from India mate. You’re not even fucking white. You’re boat people.”
Failed statehood. Is it time for an(other) NT intervention?
As Rothwell notes, the good tax-payers of the Australian south-east fork out around $4 billion a year to keep the NT running. Divide that number by the 220,000 people in the NT and the figure is around $18,000 per head. "Thanks and it is your shout!!"