1 00:00:00,160 --> 00:00:02,680 Speaker 1: Over the weekend we learned the member for our Referer 2 00:00:02,960 --> 00:00:06,280 Speaker 1: passed away. He served the communities of the Tiwi Islands, 3 00:00:06,320 --> 00:00:09,680 Speaker 1: Man and Greta and West Arnham for more than six years. 4 00:00:10,039 --> 00:00:13,360 Speaker 1: Joining me on the line is the Chief Minister, Natasha Files. 5 00:00:13,400 --> 00:00:14,120 Speaker 1: Good morning to. 6 00:00:14,120 --> 00:00:16,920 Speaker 2: You, Good morning Katie, Good morning listener. 7 00:00:17,160 --> 00:00:19,680 Speaker 1: Chief Minister. When did you learn of the passing of 8 00:00:19,720 --> 00:00:21,920 Speaker 1: the Member for our Refura. 9 00:00:22,440 --> 00:00:24,880 Speaker 2: It was with great sadness and shock that I was 10 00:00:25,239 --> 00:00:28,360 Speaker 2: informed late on Saturday that the Member for Arafira had 11 00:00:28,520 --> 00:00:32,120 Speaker 2: passed away, And of course where seeking of his family 12 00:00:32,159 --> 00:00:33,440 Speaker 2: at this very difficult time. 13 00:00:34,400 --> 00:00:38,080 Speaker 1: How will he be remembered from your perspective as the 14 00:00:38,159 --> 00:00:41,320 Speaker 1: Chief Minister and a member? Obviously he was a member 15 00:00:41,360 --> 00:00:42,199 Speaker 1: of your team. 16 00:00:43,960 --> 00:00:46,959 Speaker 2: For Katie. He was a member that wasn't necessarily at 17 00:00:47,080 --> 00:00:49,960 Speaker 2: the forefront doing lots of media, but he certainly had 18 00:00:50,479 --> 00:00:55,000 Speaker 2: very wise words and represented the communities of his electric 19 00:00:55,200 --> 00:00:58,280 Speaker 2: very strongly, not only the Kiwi Islands, but Man and 20 00:00:58,320 --> 00:01:01,560 Speaker 2: Greta and that West Arnham region. And when he did 21 00:01:01,680 --> 00:01:04,399 Speaker 2: spoke to speak, people did pay attention because you know 22 00:01:04,440 --> 00:01:06,560 Speaker 2: they were words from a wise place and so he 23 00:01:06,640 --> 00:01:09,960 Speaker 2: certainly will be remembered for his lifetime of service, not 24 00:01:10,120 --> 00:01:12,560 Speaker 2: just as a member of Parliament, but he had roles 25 00:01:12,560 --> 00:01:16,399 Speaker 2: in local government at Deck and was a worked in 26 00:01:16,440 --> 00:01:18,479 Speaker 2: the health space and that was where we worked very 27 00:01:18,520 --> 00:01:20,679 Speaker 2: closely together in the parliament. 28 00:01:21,360 --> 00:01:25,039 Speaker 1: How significant is of a loss do you think this 29 00:01:25,080 --> 00:01:29,640 Speaker 1: is going to be, particularly for those communities that he 30 00:01:29,800 --> 00:01:33,400 Speaker 1: served in the likes of Tiwi Islands, Maningrida and Wistana. 31 00:01:35,000 --> 00:01:37,600 Speaker 2: I think it's a huge loss for those communities and 32 00:01:37,840 --> 00:01:41,280 Speaker 2: the broader Northern territory, particularly remote communities. He always bought 33 00:01:41,280 --> 00:01:44,280 Speaker 2: that perspective to the conversation and what was being decided, 34 00:01:44,720 --> 00:01:47,560 Speaker 2: and he was very much available for his electorate, although 35 00:01:47,560 --> 00:01:49,600 Speaker 2: it was a big electorate and he had islands and 36 00:01:50,000 --> 00:01:52,960 Speaker 2: you know, big baths distances. His phone never stopped ringing, 37 00:01:53,000 --> 00:01:57,320 Speaker 2: and so I know the condolences that have been on 38 00:01:57,640 --> 00:02:00,880 Speaker 2: social media and the contacts that I've had, People are 39 00:02:00,920 --> 00:02:04,320 Speaker 2: shocked and greatly sad and will sorely. 40 00:02:04,040 --> 00:02:07,920 Speaker 1: Miss him, Chief Minister. This is indeed an incredibly sad 41 00:02:07,960 --> 00:02:12,320 Speaker 1: time for his family, friends, the community, work colleagues. There 42 00:02:12,360 --> 00:02:15,000 Speaker 1: is no doubt about that, no doubt a time for morning. 43 00:02:15,320 --> 00:02:16,760 Speaker 1: But I know that a lot of people in the 44 00:02:16,760 --> 00:02:19,600 Speaker 1: community are going to be wondering what the process is 45 00:02:19,680 --> 00:02:23,639 Speaker 1: now in terms of the community having a local member. 46 00:02:25,040 --> 00:02:26,880 Speaker 2: O Katie, just before I answer that, I do want 47 00:02:26,880 --> 00:02:30,840 Speaker 2: to just pay respects to his wife and to his family, 48 00:02:30,880 --> 00:02:34,120 Speaker 2: particularly his children, his grandchildren. He had a brand new 49 00:02:34,160 --> 00:02:38,240 Speaker 2: grandson and he was just so excited about that new grandchild. 50 00:02:38,320 --> 00:02:41,640 Speaker 2: So you know, to his family, our sincere condolences and 51 00:02:41,720 --> 00:02:44,680 Speaker 2: right now we're focused on supporting them and also the 52 00:02:44,760 --> 00:02:48,560 Speaker 2: electorate of Arafura. But we of course strongly believe that 53 00:02:48,600 --> 00:02:52,520 Speaker 2: electric should be represented and those matters will be discussed. 54 00:02:53,280 --> 00:02:56,200 Speaker 2: Of course, we do need to allow a grieving process, 55 00:02:56,320 --> 00:03:00,000 Speaker 2: particularly for those communities, so will be guided around them. 56 00:03:00,760 --> 00:03:05,000 Speaker 1: So what is the protocol. Look, I'm trying to remember 57 00:03:05,120 --> 00:03:07,400 Speaker 1: whether we've ever been in a situation before in the 58 00:03:07,440 --> 00:03:11,120 Speaker 1: Northern Territory where we have had a member of Parliament 59 00:03:11,280 --> 00:03:14,000 Speaker 1: pass away while still an active member of parliament. 60 00:03:15,720 --> 00:03:20,440 Speaker 2: We did, Katie in the nineties. Have that happen And 61 00:03:20,520 --> 00:03:23,320 Speaker 2: so we'll just seek guidance from the Electoral Commissioner and 62 00:03:24,120 --> 00:03:27,840 Speaker 2: certainly ensure that process is allowed to take place and 63 00:03:27,880 --> 00:03:31,080 Speaker 2: that the community and the family can grieve appropriately, but 64 00:03:31,200 --> 00:03:34,840 Speaker 2: that we do have representation, so that will be worked through. 65 00:03:35,240 --> 00:03:37,840 Speaker 2: And this is just an absolute tragedy, so young, just 66 00:03:37,840 --> 00:03:39,080 Speaker 2: fifty two years of age. 67 00:03:40,560 --> 00:03:44,240 Speaker 1: And Chief Minister, I'm assuming it is a situation when 68 00:03:44,280 --> 00:03:47,400 Speaker 1: the time is right and once that process has been 69 00:03:47,440 --> 00:03:49,720 Speaker 1: gone through that it is a situation where it's a 70 00:03:49,720 --> 00:03:50,240 Speaker 1: by election. 71 00:03:50,440 --> 00:03:54,600 Speaker 2: Is that correct, Katie? That would be my understanding. That 72 00:03:54,720 --> 00:03:57,640 Speaker 2: all of that advice will be gathered over the coming 73 00:03:57,720 --> 00:03:59,920 Speaker 2: days and weeks, and of course we will update new 74 00:04:00,040 --> 00:04:02,360 Speaker 2: and your listeners. We know the community, you know, they'll 75 00:04:02,400 --> 00:04:04,960 Speaker 2: be thinking of the family, particularly through the Christmas period, 76 00:04:05,040 --> 00:04:07,240 Speaker 2: such a special time and to now be dealing with this. 77 00:04:07,440 --> 00:04:09,840 Speaker 2: But we of course we'll keep the community informed on 78 00:04:10,160 --> 00:04:12,400 Speaker 2: what the processes are around that electorate. 79 00:04:12,640 --> 00:04:16,159 Speaker 1: Yeah, and certainly our thoughts are with the member for 80 00:04:16,400 --> 00:04:19,719 Speaker 1: our Afura's family and friends and those communities that I 81 00:04:19,800 --> 00:04:23,160 Speaker 1: know will indeed be quite shocked by this news over 82 00:04:23,200 --> 00:04:27,239 Speaker 1: the weekend, Chief Minnesta, I will move along just briefly 83 00:04:27,320 --> 00:04:31,000 Speaker 1: this morning. I know that. On a very separate other note, 84 00:04:31,040 --> 00:04:34,120 Speaker 1: the issue which has dominated this year has been crime. 85 00:04:35,000 --> 00:04:37,400 Speaker 1: Last week we saw a spate of car the f's 86 00:04:37,560 --> 00:04:41,760 Speaker 1: in Alice Springs. Those issues continue and the crime stats well, 87 00:04:41,839 --> 00:04:44,800 Speaker 1: year on year, they just keep going up. Are you 88 00:04:44,920 --> 00:04:48,160 Speaker 1: worried that things are going to get worse over the holidays. 89 00:04:49,160 --> 00:04:52,960 Speaker 2: Oh, Katie, we cannot let up on this. We've certainly 90 00:04:52,960 --> 00:04:56,520 Speaker 2: been investing in police looking at different agile options right 91 00:04:56,520 --> 00:04:59,560 Speaker 2: around the Northern Territory and all be a focus for me, 92 00:05:00,040 --> 00:05:02,160 Speaker 2: particularly through the Christmas New Year period. 93 00:05:02,720 --> 00:05:04,920 Speaker 1: Now. I know that some locals are saying that they're 94 00:05:04,960 --> 00:05:07,760 Speaker 1: not going away over Christmas because they ask here that 95 00:05:07,800 --> 00:05:10,280 Speaker 1: they're going to be targeted by crime. I mean that 96 00:05:10,720 --> 00:05:13,080 Speaker 1: must make you feel pretty bad that it has reached 97 00:05:13,080 --> 00:05:15,279 Speaker 1: that point that some people don't want to go on 98 00:05:15,320 --> 00:05:17,719 Speaker 1: holidays because they're worried they could get broken into or 99 00:05:17,720 --> 00:05:18,880 Speaker 1: have their vehicle stolen. 100 00:05:20,440 --> 00:05:23,159 Speaker 2: And Katie, that's why this issue. I will continue working 101 00:05:23,160 --> 00:05:26,200 Speaker 2: in this space with police on those other measures that 102 00:05:26,240 --> 00:05:29,000 Speaker 2: we've been putting in place, you know, local tailored solutions 103 00:05:29,000 --> 00:05:32,280 Speaker 2: for different parts of the territory. Police certainly put out 104 00:05:32,320 --> 00:05:35,719 Speaker 2: messaging around this Christmas New Year period each year, and 105 00:05:35,760 --> 00:05:37,800 Speaker 2: I encourage that territories to listen to that. 106 00:05:38,120 --> 00:05:41,359 Speaker 1: What is your message for locals as we near the 107 00:05:41,480 --> 00:05:42,839 Speaker 1: end of the year, and I know a lot of 108 00:05:42,880 --> 00:05:46,600 Speaker 1: people have been pretty fed up pretty over the situation 109 00:05:46,760 --> 00:05:49,960 Speaker 1: with crime. What is your message to locals as we 110 00:05:50,240 --> 00:05:52,440 Speaker 1: you know as we end the year and look to 111 00:05:52,480 --> 00:05:54,920 Speaker 1: twenty twenty three, where I know a lot of people 112 00:05:55,120 --> 00:05:57,960 Speaker 1: are really hoping that things do get better. 113 00:06:00,320 --> 00:06:02,839 Speaker 2: It's my priority now and it will be my priority 114 00:06:02,839 --> 00:06:05,359 Speaker 2: into the new year. We have to achieve changes. We 115 00:06:05,440 --> 00:06:09,080 Speaker 2: have been trying different things right across the Northern Territory. 116 00:06:09,279 --> 00:06:13,880 Speaker 2: Short term responses, longer term responses, collaboration between businesses, police, 117 00:06:13,960 --> 00:06:17,000 Speaker 2: local government. We know we need to address the root causes, 118 00:06:17,160 --> 00:06:21,679 Speaker 2: but we certainly will be focused around solutions every single 119 00:06:21,760 --> 00:06:22,760 Speaker 2: day into the new year. 120 00:06:23,080 --> 00:06:25,320 Speaker 1: Why do you feel as like, why do you think 121 00:06:25,400 --> 00:06:27,680 Speaker 1: things seem to be getting worse? And when you look 122 00:06:27,680 --> 00:06:32,119 Speaker 1: at those crime stats, they are getting worse, Katie. 123 00:06:32,160 --> 00:06:34,800 Speaker 2: It's such a complicated space. We know the root causes 124 00:06:35,000 --> 00:06:38,160 Speaker 2: to crime, we know factors such as alcohol that they 125 00:06:38,279 --> 00:06:41,400 Speaker 2: play and we have to keep having different solutions. There's 126 00:06:41,400 --> 00:06:44,440 Speaker 2: not a single solution. It takes hard work, tough decisions, 127 00:06:44,440 --> 00:06:46,400 Speaker 2: but we'll continue to work at it every day. 128 00:06:46,760 --> 00:06:48,920 Speaker 1: Well, Chief Minister, we are going to leave it there. 129 00:06:49,160 --> 00:06:51,359 Speaker 1: We appreciate your time. We weren't you to catch up 130 00:06:51,360 --> 00:06:54,080 Speaker 1: with you this morning. We appreciate you having a chat 131 00:06:54,080 --> 00:06:58,920 Speaker 1: with us this morning. Much planned over the Christmas period, so. 132 00:06:58,960 --> 00:07:01,680 Speaker 2: Katie, I'll be around the love of Christmas in the 133 00:07:01,760 --> 00:07:05,440 Speaker 2: territory and so you know, looking forward to some time 134 00:07:05,480 --> 00:07:08,000 Speaker 2: with the family, but equally, you know, catching up with 135 00:07:08,040 --> 00:07:10,520 Speaker 2: the community. I find Christmas New Year is a chance 136 00:07:10,560 --> 00:07:12,760 Speaker 2: to see people that mean a lot to you, but 137 00:07:12,800 --> 00:07:15,440 Speaker 2: you don't necessarily find that time during the year. So 138 00:07:16,040 --> 00:07:19,640 Speaker 2: I wish everyone a safe and merry Christmas. It's been 139 00:07:19,720 --> 00:07:22,520 Speaker 2: a difficult year. I think we forget that COVID was 140 00:07:22,560 --> 00:07:25,040 Speaker 2: just starting to come into the territory this time last year, 141 00:07:25,080 --> 00:07:29,640 Speaker 2: and so if you know people resting, you know, recharging, 142 00:07:29,680 --> 00:07:32,400 Speaker 2: but also acknowledging, it can be a tough time Katie 143 00:07:32,400 --> 00:07:34,960 Speaker 2: for some members of our community, and there is support available. 144 00:07:35,160 --> 00:07:37,560 Speaker 1: And what are your hopes for the Northern Territory for 145 00:07:37,600 --> 00:07:38,640 Speaker 1: twenty twenty three. 146 00:07:40,080 --> 00:07:42,520 Speaker 2: How do we've got such a bright future territory wide? 147 00:07:42,520 --> 00:07:45,880 Speaker 2: There's exciting projects where you know, really coming to fruition. 148 00:07:46,040 --> 00:07:48,960 Speaker 2: And yes, there's difficult issues which we've just been talking 149 00:07:49,000 --> 00:07:51,200 Speaker 2: about and that's what I'm determined to tackle in twenty 150 00:07:51,240 --> 00:07:51,880 Speaker 2: twenty three. 151 00:07:52,160 --> 00:07:55,000 Speaker 1: Did you start the year Chief Finister thinking that well, 152 00:07:55,000 --> 00:07:57,240 Speaker 1: when you were the Health Minister and I had various 153 00:07:57,280 --> 00:07:59,520 Speaker 1: other portfolios that you were going to end the year 154 00:07:59,640 --> 00:08:02,200 Speaker 1: as the chief ministers. 155 00:08:02,200 --> 00:08:03,400 Speaker 2: Certainly not Katie. 156 00:08:04,160 --> 00:08:06,440 Speaker 1: It's been an interesting year, hasn't it, To say. 157 00:08:06,280 --> 00:08:09,800 Speaker 2: The least the good word for it there, wilfre. 158 00:08:10,480 --> 00:08:15,200 Speaker 1: Well, Chief Minister, Well, that's exactly right. I know Keys 159 00:08:15,240 --> 00:08:18,560 Speaker 1: he has been missing you, Chief Minister, Attasha Files. We 160 00:08:18,640 --> 00:08:20,960 Speaker 1: appreciate all the time that you do give us each 161 00:08:20,960 --> 00:08:23,120 Speaker 1: and every week. I know that some of those weeks 162 00:08:23,400 --> 00:08:26,880 Speaker 1: it can be difficult. We certainly, you know, have some 163 00:08:27,040 --> 00:08:29,120 Speaker 1: argie bargie, there is no doubt about that. But we 164 00:08:29,160 --> 00:08:31,480 Speaker 1: appreciate the fact that you rock up every week and 165 00:08:31,600 --> 00:08:33,080 Speaker 1: have those conversations with us. 166 00:08:34,480 --> 00:08:37,480 Speaker 2: Thanks Katie, and Merry Christmas and wishing a happy new 167 00:08:37,559 --> 00:08:38,880 Speaker 2: year to all of your listeners. 168 00:08:39,200 --> 00:08:40,880 Speaker 1: Yeah, same to you. Thank you.