Northern Territory Responds to Domestic Violence Inquest Findings

The Northern Territory government claims that more than two-thirds of the recommendations from a significant domestic violence inquest are already being implemented in the region. However, a minister criticized the report, saying it has “failed dismally to hit the mark.”

The Country Liberal Party delivered its response to the report by NT Coroner Elisabeth Armitage in parliament on Tuesday, more than eight months after it was released. The coroner’s investigation focused on the deaths of four Aboriginal women Kumarn Rubuntja, Kumanjayi Haywood, Ngeygo Ragurrk, and Yunupiŋu who were among over 80 Indigenous women killed in domestic violence-related incidents in the NT since 2000.

Judge Armitage made 35 recommendations, including calls for increased funding for emergency services, women’s shelters, and programs aimed at changing men’s behavior.

During the parliamentary debate, Minister Robyn Cahill, responsible for the prevention of domestic violence, stated that the government would fully support 21 of the recommendations and accept 11 in principle.