1 00:00:00,080 --> 00:00:03,000 Speaker 1: We know that Parliament is going to sit this week 2 00:00:03,040 --> 00:00:05,240 Speaker 1: and next and there is a lot to cover off 3 00:00:05,240 --> 00:00:08,039 Speaker 1: the government planning to pass legislation in a number of 4 00:00:08,039 --> 00:00:11,640 Speaker 1: different areas. And over the weekend dozens of protesters on 5 00:00:11,680 --> 00:00:15,000 Speaker 1: the steps of Saint Mary's Cathedral. They were there to 6 00:00:15,160 --> 00:00:19,160 Speaker 1: argue against the Anti Discrimination Amendment Bill, including former Territory 7 00:00:19,200 --> 00:00:22,480 Speaker 1: Labor Attorney General Chris Burns, as well as former Member 8 00:00:22,560 --> 00:00:26,320 Speaker 1: for Nightcliff and Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Jane Agart. 9 00:00:26,440 --> 00:00:28,480 Speaker 1: Now joining me in the studio right now is the 10 00:00:28,560 --> 00:00:31,480 Speaker 1: Chief Minister of the Northern Territory, Natasha Files. Good morning 11 00:00:31,520 --> 00:00:31,720 Speaker 1: to you. 12 00:00:31,880 --> 00:00:33,440 Speaker 2: Good morning Katie, Good morning listeners. 13 00:00:33,520 --> 00:00:36,160 Speaker 1: Now, Chief Minister. On the face of it, people seem 14 00:00:36,240 --> 00:00:39,080 Speaker 1: really quite okay with the majority of changes to the 15 00:00:39,120 --> 00:00:42,840 Speaker 1: Anti Discrimination Act, but there are some serious concerns around 16 00:00:42,880 --> 00:00:47,160 Speaker 1: the changes to religious freedom and freedom of speech. Why 17 00:00:47,240 --> 00:00:50,000 Speaker 1: were these changes made after consultation? 18 00:00:50,720 --> 00:00:55,040 Speaker 3: So, Katie, these changes came from the consultation. So, as 19 00:00:55,120 --> 00:00:57,760 Speaker 3: you've said, we have a very antiquated Anti Discrimination Act. 20 00:00:57,760 --> 00:00:59,000 Speaker 2: I think it's from nineteen ninety two. 21 00:00:59,560 --> 00:01:02,440 Speaker 3: We have done have you say, There's been a draft 22 00:01:02,480 --> 00:01:06,560 Speaker 3: exposure bill, but this is a step forward for a 23 00:01:06,600 --> 00:01:11,360 Speaker 3: modern Northern territory that doesn't discriminate based on someone's sexuality, 24 00:01:11,680 --> 00:01:15,760 Speaker 3: you know, those types of attributes that we unfortunately still 25 00:01:15,800 --> 00:01:18,440 Speaker 3: see in this day and age. 26 00:01:18,760 --> 00:01:22,039 Speaker 1: So you have got a situation where but where faith 27 00:01:22,120 --> 00:01:24,720 Speaker 1: based schools have come out and certainly the bishop, Bishop 28 00:01:24,720 --> 00:01:27,880 Speaker 1: Gouci joined us on the show last week and had 29 00:01:27,880 --> 00:01:32,039 Speaker 1: explained the reasons why they are concerned about these changes. 30 00:01:32,120 --> 00:01:36,119 Speaker 1: So can you give me some examples as to what 31 00:01:36,200 --> 00:01:38,360 Speaker 1: people were saying to you and the feedback that was 32 00:01:38,400 --> 00:01:41,880 Speaker 1: received as to why this aspect needs to be pushed through. 33 00:01:42,240 --> 00:01:44,880 Speaker 3: Yes, Katie, and we have been and I have spoken 34 00:01:44,920 --> 00:01:48,800 Speaker 3: to a number of religious leaders, I've spoken to members 35 00:01:48,840 --> 00:01:51,600 Speaker 3: of the community. But it's really important for people to 36 00:01:51,680 --> 00:01:54,200 Speaker 3: understand that there is still a protection in the Act 37 00:01:54,920 --> 00:01:59,360 Speaker 3: that religious institutions, religious schools, for example, under Section thirty five, 38 00:02:00,160 --> 00:02:03,800 Speaker 3: if it's a genuine occupational qualification, so for example, the 39 00:02:03,840 --> 00:02:07,640 Speaker 3: religious education teacher for the chaplain, the principle they can 40 00:02:07,800 --> 00:02:11,640 Speaker 3: still discriminate based on that attribute. But we don't believe 41 00:02:11,680 --> 00:02:16,000 Speaker 3: in a broad brush discrimination just because someone, for example, 42 00:02:16,040 --> 00:02:16,840 Speaker 3: is homosexual. 43 00:02:17,360 --> 00:02:20,320 Speaker 1: So that can you give us some examples when has 44 00:02:20,360 --> 00:02:22,840 Speaker 1: this happened in the Northern Territory in the past to 45 00:02:23,360 --> 00:02:24,200 Speaker 1: push this through. 46 00:02:24,360 --> 00:02:27,280 Speaker 3: So, Katie, a good example is some remote communities only 47 00:02:27,280 --> 00:02:29,320 Speaker 3: have a religious based school in that community. So you 48 00:02:29,320 --> 00:02:31,200 Speaker 3: can have a young person from that community grow up, 49 00:02:31,560 --> 00:02:34,280 Speaker 3: become a teacher, go back to their community, or be 50 00:02:34,320 --> 00:02:37,200 Speaker 3: in their community. But they might be homosexual, they can't 51 00:02:37,480 --> 00:02:40,280 Speaker 3: teach in that school. They can be discriminated against under 52 00:02:40,320 --> 00:02:41,000 Speaker 3: our current act. 53 00:02:41,080 --> 00:02:43,880 Speaker 1: And so has that happened in a Northern Territory school? 54 00:02:44,280 --> 00:02:48,720 Speaker 3: Unfortunately, Katie, we see discrimination based on gender orientation, sexuality 55 00:02:48,760 --> 00:02:50,679 Speaker 3: across the Northern Territory each and every day. 56 00:02:51,080 --> 00:02:51,800 Speaker 2: So what we're. 57 00:02:51,639 --> 00:02:55,240 Speaker 3: Saying is that if the church based school, the religious 58 00:02:55,240 --> 00:02:59,320 Speaker 3: based school, believes that is a genuine occupational qualification, so 59 00:02:59,400 --> 00:03:02,600 Speaker 3: the person is teaching religious education for example, they are 60 00:03:02,639 --> 00:03:05,360 Speaker 3: still protected under Section thirty five of the Act, so 61 00:03:05,400 --> 00:03:07,800 Speaker 3: they can still say, Katie, you're going to be our 62 00:03:07,840 --> 00:03:10,240 Speaker 3: classroom teacher, but every day you're teaching an hour of 63 00:03:10,680 --> 00:03:14,000 Speaker 3: religious education. So if they believe it's an occupational qualification, 64 00:03:14,400 --> 00:03:17,000 Speaker 3: so they will not be forced to employ atheists, which 65 00:03:17,040 --> 00:03:18,919 Speaker 3: is some of the outrageous accusations we've had now. 66 00:03:19,080 --> 00:03:21,200 Speaker 1: So I guess what I'm trying to wrap my head around, though, 67 00:03:21,400 --> 00:03:23,480 Speaker 1: is it is. It is a big change and we 68 00:03:23,560 --> 00:03:28,600 Speaker 1: know that federally this change is certainly being reviewed or 69 00:03:28,639 --> 00:03:31,800 Speaker 1: you know on that national scale there's the big review happening. 70 00:03:31,880 --> 00:03:35,120 Speaker 1: So why is the Northern Territory government pushing ahead with 71 00:03:35,200 --> 00:03:37,960 Speaker 1: it when the federal government is going down the path 72 00:03:38,120 --> 00:03:42,240 Speaker 1: of the Law Reform Commission actually reviewing this first. 73 00:03:42,400 --> 00:03:44,960 Speaker 3: So Katie, we often in the Northern Territory have two 74 00:03:44,960 --> 00:03:47,720 Speaker 3: concurrent legislations. We have territory legislation in a space and 75 00:03:47,720 --> 00:03:48,760 Speaker 3: we have federal legislation. 76 00:03:48,840 --> 00:03:49,680 Speaker 2: That's not uncommon. 77 00:03:50,040 --> 00:03:51,920 Speaker 3: What the Commonwealth are doing and that mind you, they 78 00:03:51,920 --> 00:03:53,880 Speaker 3: have been saying for some time that they will look 79 00:03:53,920 --> 00:03:57,400 Speaker 3: at this is they're looking at the legislation that impacts. 80 00:03:57,400 --> 00:04:01,080 Speaker 3: I think it's the Australian Human Rights that aspect. So 81 00:04:01,640 --> 00:04:05,040 Speaker 3: what our legislation is Someone in the Northern Territory who 82 00:04:05,480 --> 00:04:07,880 Speaker 3: believes they're being discriminated against, they go to the Anti 83 00:04:07,880 --> 00:04:10,960 Speaker 3: Discrimination Commissioner or ant CAT, or they can then go 84 00:04:11,000 --> 00:04:13,880 Speaker 3: through from Anti CAT to the Supreme Court. So people 85 00:04:13,920 --> 00:04:17,320 Speaker 3: can choose where they have the majority of discrimination would 86 00:04:17,320 --> 00:04:19,000 Speaker 3: go to the Territory Anti Discrimination Act. 87 00:04:19,080 --> 00:04:20,400 Speaker 2: But what the common Wealth are doing is. 88 00:04:20,320 --> 00:04:22,560 Speaker 3: They're looking at their Act which yes, it does come 89 00:04:22,560 --> 00:04:24,800 Speaker 3: into play in the Northern Territory, but it's just a 90 00:04:24,800 --> 00:04:27,640 Speaker 3: concurrent act, so we often have that in each state 91 00:04:27,640 --> 00:04:28,200 Speaker 3: and territory. 92 00:04:28,240 --> 00:04:31,560 Speaker 1: Its soon though, what this change is potentially going to 93 00:04:31,600 --> 00:04:35,400 Speaker 1: see is legal action taken against the Northern Territory government. 94 00:04:35,800 --> 00:04:36,800 Speaker 2: So we've got. 95 00:04:36,760 --> 00:04:39,760 Speaker 3: Legislation, it's been through a drafting process, it'll go through 96 00:04:39,760 --> 00:04:44,279 Speaker 3: the Assembly. We don't believe that, but any piece of legislation, Katie, 97 00:04:44,480 --> 00:04:46,960 Speaker 3: we've seen that, you know in the territory can be 98 00:04:47,000 --> 00:04:49,400 Speaker 3: taken to court if someone wishes, But we don't believe 99 00:04:49,440 --> 00:04:51,400 Speaker 3: that the legislation is weak and it would be uphill. 100 00:04:51,560 --> 00:04:53,040 Speaker 1: I guess what I'm trying to get to the bottom 101 00:04:53,040 --> 00:04:56,000 Speaker 1: of is are there examples where there has been people 102 00:04:56,000 --> 00:04:58,880 Speaker 1: that have been discriminated against for this very reason here 103 00:04:58,880 --> 00:05:01,560 Speaker 1: in the Northern Territory And if so, can you point 104 00:05:01,600 --> 00:05:03,400 Speaker 1: them out for our listeners, Because the way that a 105 00:05:03,400 --> 00:05:05,520 Speaker 1: lot of people are feeling right now is that this 106 00:05:05,760 --> 00:05:08,359 Speaker 1: change is coming through and the government's pushing it through 107 00:05:08,720 --> 00:05:11,760 Speaker 1: despite the fact that there are faith based schools. There 108 00:05:11,839 --> 00:05:14,920 Speaker 1: is indeed the Bishop, there are other you know, there 109 00:05:14,920 --> 00:05:17,680 Speaker 1: are other religious leaders that are saying this is going 110 00:05:17,760 --> 00:05:19,800 Speaker 1: to have a really adverse effect for us. 111 00:05:20,040 --> 00:05:21,640 Speaker 3: And so Katie, I think there's a couple of points 112 00:05:21,640 --> 00:05:23,920 Speaker 3: that I can make there. We stand for fairness, equality 113 00:05:23,920 --> 00:05:27,920 Speaker 3: and inclusions disputing. We have seen increasing that in the 114 00:05:28,040 --> 00:05:30,720 Speaker 3: number of complaints to our Antidiscrimination Commissioner. I don't have 115 00:05:30,760 --> 00:05:32,120 Speaker 3: the exact figures in front of me, but we have 116 00:05:32,200 --> 00:05:35,880 Speaker 3: seen an increase of complaints made around discrimination. But what 117 00:05:35,920 --> 00:05:39,400 Speaker 3: I'm saying, Katie, is for schools, for Catholic schools, discrimination 118 00:05:39,480 --> 00:05:40,680 Speaker 3: in the Northern Territory generally. 119 00:05:40,720 --> 00:05:43,239 Speaker 1: Again, though no one's disputing that. I think everybody actually 120 00:05:43,279 --> 00:05:46,479 Speaker 1: fundamentally feels as though the large part of the changes 121 00:05:46,520 --> 00:05:49,520 Speaker 1: that are going through are very valid and very much needed. 122 00:05:49,760 --> 00:05:52,599 Speaker 1: Everybody feels as though people should be treated fairly. But 123 00:05:52,880 --> 00:05:55,960 Speaker 1: based on what the bishop had said to me last week, 124 00:05:56,200 --> 00:05:58,920 Speaker 1: he had said, Katie, we do allow children to go 125 00:05:59,000 --> 00:06:01,200 Speaker 1: to the school. We do all our teachers that aren't 126 00:06:01,760 --> 00:06:03,680 Speaker 1: you know, that aren't faith based to go to the 127 00:06:03,720 --> 00:06:05,560 Speaker 1: school or to teach at the school. But he was 128 00:06:05,600 --> 00:06:08,640 Speaker 1: concerned about the fact that the principal, the assistant principal 129 00:06:08,680 --> 00:06:12,080 Speaker 1: and those that are leading would not you know, that 130 00:06:12,600 --> 00:06:17,479 Speaker 1: they could be in trouble for not employing someone who's 131 00:06:17,760 --> 00:06:18,560 Speaker 1: who's Catholic. 132 00:06:18,760 --> 00:06:20,960 Speaker 3: It's wrong, Katie. So we've reached out to the bishop 133 00:06:20,960 --> 00:06:23,680 Speaker 3: to make them completely understand if they are in that 134 00:06:23,800 --> 00:06:27,560 Speaker 3: leadership role or if it is an occupational qualification, which 135 00:06:27,560 --> 00:06:30,560 Speaker 3: it would be in a leadership role, that section thirty 136 00:06:30,600 --> 00:06:34,120 Speaker 3: five protects them. So this removes the ability. 137 00:06:34,600 --> 00:06:37,680 Speaker 1: And this is what's still on the weekend. Still ended 138 00:06:37,760 --> 00:06:41,560 Speaker 1: up on the steps of the church concerned about this. 139 00:06:41,680 --> 00:06:43,320 Speaker 1: If you'd meet with them again last week. 140 00:06:43,440 --> 00:06:45,440 Speaker 3: I didn't meet with them, but we clearly communicated with 141 00:06:45,480 --> 00:06:47,920 Speaker 3: them and they understand that point around section thirty five. 142 00:06:48,000 --> 00:06:49,880 Speaker 2: Well, this is a point of frustration from me, Katie. 143 00:06:49,880 --> 00:06:53,000 Speaker 3: In one step, they say, oh, we don't discriminate, we 144 00:06:53,000 --> 00:06:54,960 Speaker 3: welcome people. They don't have to be religious, they can 145 00:06:55,000 --> 00:06:58,279 Speaker 3: be gay. But they won't allow us to remove that exemption. 146 00:06:58,600 --> 00:07:01,520 Speaker 3: So why not meet with them until the Attorney General 147 00:07:01,520 --> 00:07:03,400 Speaker 3: has met with them. He spoke to the bishop as 148 00:07:03,480 --> 00:07:05,960 Speaker 3: late as last week. There's certainly been many conversations. I 149 00:07:06,040 --> 00:07:08,200 Speaker 3: met with the bishop and other church leaders a few 150 00:07:08,200 --> 00:07:10,760 Speaker 3: weeks ago. But what I'm saying, Katie, is we're removing 151 00:07:10,800 --> 00:07:13,840 Speaker 3: thirty seven A, which is the broad brush you can't 152 00:07:13,840 --> 00:07:15,400 Speaker 3: be a homosexual and be in our school. 153 00:07:15,600 --> 00:07:16,760 Speaker 2: We're not what the word like. 154 00:07:16,880 --> 00:07:18,160 Speaker 1: That's not what it sees. 155 00:07:18,720 --> 00:07:21,200 Speaker 3: So Katie, I'm telling you what the legislation is. Section 156 00:07:21,240 --> 00:07:26,600 Speaker 3: thirty seven A is removing the ability for religious schools 157 00:07:26,600 --> 00:07:31,200 Speaker 3: to have an exemption to discriminate based on gender, sexuality, orientation. 158 00:07:31,600 --> 00:07:34,040 Speaker 3: There is a protection in there under section thirty five 159 00:07:34,680 --> 00:07:36,760 Speaker 3: that they can still if it is part of and 160 00:07:36,800 --> 00:07:38,760 Speaker 3: the word is occupational qualification. 161 00:07:39,000 --> 00:07:40,480 Speaker 2: So it is up to the schools to. 162 00:07:40,480 --> 00:07:45,720 Speaker 3: Decide what the occupational qualification is. But an example is 163 00:07:45,760 --> 00:07:48,800 Speaker 3: the religious education teacher, the principal, the chaplain, the vice principal. 164 00:07:49,040 --> 00:07:50,080 Speaker 2: They can discriminate. 165 00:07:50,200 --> 00:07:53,760 Speaker 1: You've obviously got a situation where former labor members have 166 00:07:53,840 --> 00:07:57,040 Speaker 1: come out there against these changes. Do you have everybody 167 00:07:57,040 --> 00:08:00,280 Speaker 1: in your caucus on board our caucus support. It's the 168 00:08:00,320 --> 00:08:03,240 Speaker 1: fact that we need to have fairness, equality and inclusion, 169 00:08:03,760 --> 00:08:06,800 Speaker 1: and that we have organizations say we don't use that, 170 00:08:06,840 --> 00:08:10,160 Speaker 1: we include everyone. Yet we're saying, well, the law should 171 00:08:10,200 --> 00:08:12,600 Speaker 1: match that, and they have a problem. So what I 172 00:08:12,600 --> 00:08:15,120 Speaker 1: can absolutely say to territorians is there is and I 173 00:08:15,120 --> 00:08:16,840 Speaker 1: won't repeat it for the interest of time, but Section 174 00:08:16,880 --> 00:08:18,160 Speaker 1: thirty five provides a protection. 175 00:08:18,600 --> 00:08:19,360 Speaker 2: But we don't. 176 00:08:19,200 --> 00:08:21,960 Speaker 3: Believe that there should be a broad brush based on 177 00:08:22,000 --> 00:08:24,880 Speaker 3: someone's sexuality, for example, they can be discriminated against. And 178 00:08:24,920 --> 00:08:26,880 Speaker 3: the other thing, Katie, is it's really important. It's the 179 00:08:26,920 --> 00:08:31,160 Speaker 3: school might employ someone that person is precarious. They're relying 180 00:08:31,200 --> 00:08:33,920 Speaker 3: on the principle and school principles change. You have one 181 00:08:33,960 --> 00:08:37,880 Speaker 3: principle that's really supportive, the next principle might not have 182 00:08:37,960 --> 00:08:40,880 Speaker 3: those views and they could be discriminated against. 183 00:08:41,080 --> 00:08:43,880 Speaker 1: And so have there been examples where this has happened 184 00:08:43,880 --> 00:08:46,439 Speaker 1: in the Northern Territory where people have not been employed 185 00:08:46,480 --> 00:08:48,840 Speaker 1: because of their sexuality, Katie, I don't have. 186 00:08:48,800 --> 00:08:51,080 Speaker 3: The specific examples before me, but you would think that 187 00:08:51,120 --> 00:08:53,800 Speaker 3: you would if you're changing this whole legislation based on that, 188 00:08:54,080 --> 00:08:56,160 Speaker 3: you would actually think that you would. But what I 189 00:08:56,160 --> 00:08:57,960 Speaker 3: was about to say was, yes, there are examples, and 190 00:08:58,000 --> 00:09:00,000 Speaker 3: I gave you the example where there's in some commie 191 00:09:00,040 --> 00:09:02,400 Speaker 3: unities a religious based school of faith based school is 192 00:09:02,400 --> 00:09:04,760 Speaker 3: the only school in that community. Yet someone that is 193 00:09:04,800 --> 00:09:07,880 Speaker 3: a traditional owner can be discriminated against. 194 00:09:08,480 --> 00:09:11,360 Speaker 1: So there, obviously it's happened in what are the communities, Katie. 195 00:09:11,520 --> 00:09:14,240 Speaker 3: My understanding across the territory and we need to make 196 00:09:14,280 --> 00:09:17,120 Speaker 3: sure that we have inclusion and equality and as I 197 00:09:17,200 --> 00:09:20,640 Speaker 3: just pointed out, we can't just rely on oh, we 198 00:09:20,679 --> 00:09:22,600 Speaker 3: won't do that. Well, if you won't do that, why 199 00:09:22,600 --> 00:09:24,120 Speaker 3: do you have a problem that we're changing the law. 200 00:09:24,200 --> 00:09:27,000 Speaker 1: What about when it comes to these changes if someone 201 00:09:27,360 --> 00:09:30,720 Speaker 1: is well of someone being offended or insulted. Do you 202 00:09:30,720 --> 00:09:33,480 Speaker 1: think that we're going to see people unnecessarily hauled before 203 00:09:33,520 --> 00:09:36,360 Speaker 1: the Anti Discrimination Commissioner having to explain themselves. 204 00:09:36,520 --> 00:09:39,520 Speaker 3: No, and this, Katie, is something that we've looked really carefully. 205 00:09:39,520 --> 00:09:42,160 Speaker 3: The Northern Territory doesn't have any antiphilification law. Are the 206 00:09:42,240 --> 00:09:44,719 Speaker 3: jurisdictions where the last to come on board. It has 207 00:09:44,760 --> 00:09:47,280 Speaker 3: to be a profound and serious effect. But this is 208 00:09:47,280 --> 00:09:49,679 Speaker 3: something Katie. When I've met with church leaders, they've explained 209 00:09:49,720 --> 00:09:51,960 Speaker 3: to me that when they're giving a religious service, they 210 00:09:52,000 --> 00:09:55,080 Speaker 3: might be talking about the Bible. Someone could find that 211 00:09:55,120 --> 00:09:57,360 Speaker 3: offensive and it could be profound, but there is a 212 00:09:57,400 --> 00:10:00,559 Speaker 3: protection for them under Section fifty that they can do so. 213 00:10:00,640 --> 00:10:03,280 Speaker 3: And in fact, if we've seen many church services live 214 00:10:03,320 --> 00:10:06,120 Speaker 3: streamed now because it's just more preferable for people if 215 00:10:06,120 --> 00:10:08,920 Speaker 3: they're older or unwell and they still want to receive 216 00:10:08,960 --> 00:10:11,720 Speaker 3: their service. So, Katie, there are protections built into this act. 217 00:10:12,200 --> 00:10:15,840 Speaker 3: But it is giving us if someone has profound and 218 00:10:15,960 --> 00:10:19,320 Speaker 3: serious you know they're vilifying someone, there is protect us. 219 00:10:19,240 --> 00:10:21,240 Speaker 1: In the media. Like what about for us in the media. 220 00:10:21,280 --> 00:10:23,600 Speaker 1: I know I've written a column before that somebody had 221 00:10:23,600 --> 00:10:26,720 Speaker 1: taken great offense to when I said that, you know 222 00:10:26,800 --> 00:10:29,920 Speaker 1: that barbers should be for men and that you know, 223 00:10:29,960 --> 00:10:32,800 Speaker 1: we as women shouldn't feel as though we're entitled to 224 00:10:32,840 --> 00:10:35,120 Speaker 1: being able to go there just because we want to. 225 00:10:35,880 --> 00:10:38,920 Speaker 1: And somebody did take great offense to that. They'd written 226 00:10:38,920 --> 00:10:40,840 Speaker 1: a whole you know, written a whole response to me, 227 00:10:40,880 --> 00:10:44,160 Speaker 1: and we're very very unhappy with it. So where is 228 00:10:44,200 --> 00:10:45,000 Speaker 1: the line drawn? 229 00:10:45,400 --> 00:10:49,160 Speaker 3: So it's profound and serious effect, and it is based 230 00:10:49,280 --> 00:10:51,680 Speaker 3: on law, and we've seen a number of these cases 231 00:10:51,720 --> 00:10:55,600 Speaker 3: around the country, and it must you know, it's not 232 00:10:55,679 --> 00:11:00,800 Speaker 3: intended the word offend. It must be you know, it's 233 00:11:00,840 --> 00:11:03,200 Speaker 3: not its everyday meaning. In this context, it must be 234 00:11:03,240 --> 00:11:04,840 Speaker 3: that more profound and serious. 235 00:11:04,960 --> 00:11:05,840 Speaker 2: So what about. 236 00:11:05,640 --> 00:11:08,000 Speaker 1: Wicking, for example, if he was still drawing his cartoon 237 00:11:08,040 --> 00:11:11,720 Speaker 1: in the Northern Territory News and you know, had depicted 238 00:11:11,720 --> 00:11:15,320 Speaker 1: somebody in a certain way that you know that they 239 00:11:15,360 --> 00:11:17,080 Speaker 1: found incredibly offensive. 240 00:11:17,679 --> 00:11:22,880 Speaker 3: So Katie's designed for when you know someone is making 241 00:11:23,000 --> 00:11:25,000 Speaker 3: light or a joke, but it has to be that 242 00:11:25,120 --> 00:11:27,520 Speaker 3: profound and serious. And I think it is important that 243 00:11:28,160 --> 00:11:32,720 Speaker 3: there are some you know, aspects of cartooning that can 244 00:11:32,840 --> 00:11:35,480 Speaker 3: have that really serious impact on someone, you know, if 245 00:11:35,480 --> 00:11:37,560 Speaker 3: they're specifically targeting their race. 246 00:11:37,800 --> 00:11:40,240 Speaker 1: Determines if it is profound and serious. 247 00:11:40,400 --> 00:11:43,960 Speaker 3: So, Katie, it's based on case law from around Australia already. 248 00:11:44,559 --> 00:11:47,720 Speaker 3: So the Anti Discrimination Commissioner is the first step, and 249 00:11:47,720 --> 00:11:50,240 Speaker 3: then we have the Northern Churchary Civilian Administrative Tribunal. 250 00:11:50,360 --> 00:11:53,959 Speaker 1: And so for example, though if somebody is like say myself, 251 00:11:54,000 --> 00:11:55,959 Speaker 1: if I was in a situation where somebody put a 252 00:11:56,000 --> 00:11:58,640 Speaker 1: complaint against something that I had said that they found 253 00:11:58,720 --> 00:12:02,040 Speaker 1: profoundly offensive on even though we certainly have to adhere 254 00:12:02,200 --> 00:12:05,920 Speaker 1: to certain media laws and ethics on the show, but 255 00:12:05,960 --> 00:12:10,359 Speaker 1: then I'm forced to go through a very costly expensive exercise, 256 00:12:10,400 --> 00:12:14,520 Speaker 1: presumingly to defend myself. No, Katie, So the commissioner, the 257 00:12:14,520 --> 00:12:18,600 Speaker 1: Anti Discrimination Commissioner would look at the complaint and you know, 258 00:12:19,000 --> 00:12:21,720 Speaker 1: look at that and decide under the Act how it's 259 00:12:21,760 --> 00:12:25,440 Speaker 1: being interpreted. And then the first step would be speaking 260 00:12:25,480 --> 00:12:28,440 Speaker 1: to the person that has made said written. 261 00:12:28,920 --> 00:12:31,240 Speaker 3: That would be a first step. It's not designed to 262 00:12:31,280 --> 00:12:33,800 Speaker 3: go through a costly court process. It's designed to be 263 00:12:33,840 --> 00:12:36,880 Speaker 3: within the Commissioner and as I said, the NTCAT is 264 00:12:36,920 --> 00:12:37,559 Speaker 3: that step. 265 00:12:37,840 --> 00:12:40,520 Speaker 1: But we're forced to defend ourselves like somebody's forced to 266 00:12:40,520 --> 00:12:43,440 Speaker 1: defend themselves then to the Anti Discrimination Commissioner, and they're 267 00:12:43,480 --> 00:12:45,320 Speaker 1: the judge and jury as to whether it goes a 268 00:12:45,320 --> 00:12:45,880 Speaker 1: step further. 269 00:12:46,320 --> 00:12:49,960 Speaker 3: No, So, Katie, in terms of we it's around making 270 00:12:50,000 --> 00:12:51,440 Speaker 3: sure it comes back to that point that I was 271 00:12:51,440 --> 00:12:53,680 Speaker 3: saying before, that the territory is fair and that we're 272 00:12:53,679 --> 00:12:56,920 Speaker 3: inclusive and that we have equality as our principles. And 273 00:12:57,080 --> 00:13:00,480 Speaker 3: sometimes people don't realize that they're being offensive, they don't 274 00:13:00,480 --> 00:13:03,800 Speaker 3: interpret it that way, and so there is high thresholds 275 00:13:03,800 --> 00:13:06,080 Speaker 3: within the Act for the Commissioner to uphold. 276 00:13:06,320 --> 00:13:08,080 Speaker 1: I mean, that's the whole point. Though I guess that 277 00:13:08,160 --> 00:13:11,480 Speaker 1: everybody understands that, and everybody feels pretty you know, pretty okay, 278 00:13:11,520 --> 00:13:14,120 Speaker 1: I think with the majority of the changes. But these 279 00:13:14,120 --> 00:13:16,200 Speaker 1: two areas are the two areas where a lot of 280 00:13:16,200 --> 00:13:19,840 Speaker 1: people seem to be incredibly concerned, but by the sounds 281 00:13:19,840 --> 00:13:22,319 Speaker 1: of it, the government's going to push through with this regardless. 282 00:13:22,559 --> 00:13:25,520 Speaker 3: So, Katie, the vilification where the last jurisdiction that doesn't 283 00:13:25,559 --> 00:13:29,600 Speaker 3: have vilification laws. So there's been examples around the country. 284 00:13:29,760 --> 00:13:32,760 Speaker 3: It's based on the Federal Commonwealth racial discrimination. 285 00:13:32,400 --> 00:13:34,840 Speaker 1: So they include that offend or in salt. 286 00:13:34,679 --> 00:13:37,200 Speaker 2: Clause Katie, that is my understanding, yes. 287 00:13:37,880 --> 00:13:40,600 Speaker 1: And so then with the other side of things with 288 00:13:40,760 --> 00:13:44,520 Speaker 1: the religious freedoms, yep, with the religious freedoms, So the 289 00:13:44,559 --> 00:13:46,440 Speaker 1: government is pushing forward with that as well. 290 00:13:46,920 --> 00:13:51,640 Speaker 3: So, Katie, we believe that thirty five provides the protection 291 00:13:51,720 --> 00:13:54,720 Speaker 3: for religious institutions to operate in a faith based way, 292 00:13:55,200 --> 00:14:00,400 Speaker 3: but we don't believe in discrimination based on someone's sexual orientation, there, gender, 293 00:14:00,559 --> 00:14:01,880 Speaker 3: you know those aspects. 294 00:14:01,960 --> 00:14:04,960 Speaker 1: What about discrimination based on someone's religious beliefs? 295 00:14:05,440 --> 00:14:08,600 Speaker 3: So, Katie, that comes to the point where around the 296 00:14:08,640 --> 00:14:12,040 Speaker 3: occupational qualification, So the school makes that decision. 297 00:14:12,960 --> 00:14:15,760 Speaker 2: Does the gardener, the caretaker do they need that? 298 00:14:16,360 --> 00:14:18,800 Speaker 3: And I don't know of a situation that they would, 299 00:14:18,800 --> 00:14:20,880 Speaker 3: but they may decide that. That is up to each school. 300 00:14:20,920 --> 00:14:23,720 Speaker 3: We won't be forcing this upon the religious based schools. 301 00:14:24,120 --> 00:14:28,400 Speaker 3: They will decide the occupational qualification what it is, and 302 00:14:28,480 --> 00:14:30,760 Speaker 3: if it is that they need to have that religious 303 00:14:30,920 --> 00:14:31,760 Speaker 3: faith base. 304 00:14:31,960 --> 00:14:34,040 Speaker 2: Then they have that protection under Section thirty five. 305 00:14:34,240 --> 00:14:36,160 Speaker 1: So it is going to push through, though, is it 306 00:14:36,160 --> 00:14:37,680 Speaker 1: this week that it's expected to pass. 307 00:14:37,800 --> 00:14:40,840 Speaker 3: We do anticipate this bill passing, Katie, And as I've 308 00:14:40,880 --> 00:14:44,200 Speaker 3: been articulating to you, this is an issue that some 309 00:14:44,240 --> 00:14:46,880 Speaker 3: people have a different view. But there is a lot 310 00:14:46,920 --> 00:14:50,240 Speaker 3: of people, a minority group that feel the impacts of 311 00:14:50,280 --> 00:14:52,360 Speaker 3: not having this legislation each and every day and that 312 00:14:52,400 --> 00:14:53,440 Speaker 3: threat hanging over them. 313 00:14:53,560 --> 00:14:56,480 Speaker 1: And so what about so with those religious groups, for example, 314 00:14:56,640 --> 00:14:58,600 Speaker 1: are you going to re meet with them and explain 315 00:14:58,680 --> 00:14:59,200 Speaker 1: this to them. 316 00:14:59,280 --> 00:15:01,680 Speaker 3: Yeah, that's a really important point that's been lost. Like 317 00:15:01,960 --> 00:15:04,600 Speaker 3: some people agree, some people disagree. Like, we've you know, 318 00:15:05,040 --> 00:15:07,120 Speaker 3: been through a journey on this and we believe this 319 00:15:07,160 --> 00:15:09,160 Speaker 3: is the right thing for the Northern Territory. The legislation 320 00:15:09,240 --> 00:15:12,600 Speaker 3: is anticipated to be gazetted next July, so that allows 321 00:15:12,640 --> 00:15:16,960 Speaker 3: for people to over the next months look at how 322 00:15:17,000 --> 00:15:20,440 Speaker 3: it would be enacted in their situation. So we've allowed 323 00:15:20,440 --> 00:15:23,000 Speaker 3: plenty of time there for them to do that. 324 00:15:23,080 --> 00:15:24,880 Speaker 1: One of the questions that did keep coming up on 325 00:15:24,920 --> 00:15:28,520 Speaker 1: the text line is why is the government still able 326 00:15:28,560 --> 00:15:30,840 Speaker 1: to or why is a political party then still able 327 00:15:30,880 --> 00:15:33,040 Speaker 1: to or you know, why have you got freedoms in 328 00:15:33,120 --> 00:15:35,720 Speaker 1: terms of whether you employ someone that's part of the 329 00:15:35,760 --> 00:15:36,600 Speaker 1: same party or not. 330 00:15:37,320 --> 00:15:41,240 Speaker 3: No, So the people in my team. They must respect 331 00:15:41,280 --> 00:15:43,520 Speaker 3: me and you know and what I'm trying to do 332 00:15:43,560 --> 00:15:45,600 Speaker 3: and the values. But we don't force people to join 333 00:15:45,600 --> 00:15:50,240 Speaker 3: the Labor Party. There's no political affiliation that's forced upon people. 334 00:15:50,280 --> 00:15:53,280 Speaker 1: What about inside parliament to you guys still then protected 335 00:15:53,280 --> 00:15:56,200 Speaker 1: by parliamentary privilege if one of you says something that 336 00:15:56,280 --> 00:15:58,040 Speaker 1: offends or insults someone. 337 00:15:58,080 --> 00:16:03,640 Speaker 3: So parliamentarians, parliament privilege is well established around Australia and 338 00:16:03,680 --> 00:16:05,800 Speaker 3: there's not any changes to that legislation. 339 00:16:05,880 --> 00:16:07,800 Speaker 1: I mean, some people will feel like that's unfair if 340 00:16:07,800 --> 00:16:10,160 Speaker 1: you can get in there and say whatever, but you 341 00:16:10,200 --> 00:16:11,400 Speaker 1: know outside you can't. 342 00:16:11,840 --> 00:16:15,480 Speaker 3: So Katie, in terms of this legislation, it's not going 343 00:16:15,560 --> 00:16:18,000 Speaker 3: to be you know, someone's at a barbecue or they 344 00:16:18,040 --> 00:16:19,560 Speaker 3: overhear something at the pub. 345 00:16:19,960 --> 00:16:22,160 Speaker 2: It's not about that. But it's about. 346 00:16:21,760 --> 00:16:28,080 Speaker 3: People continuously blatantly vilifying minority groups in our community and 347 00:16:28,120 --> 00:16:30,640 Speaker 3: they know that there's no laws to stop that. Yet 348 00:16:30,640 --> 00:16:33,200 Speaker 3: if they did the same thing in Queensland or South Australia, 349 00:16:33,680 --> 00:16:34,280 Speaker 3: they would be. 350 00:16:34,440 --> 00:16:36,040 Speaker 1: All right, We're going to have to move along. Over 351 00:16:36,080 --> 00:16:38,520 Speaker 1: the weekend, more crime on the streets in Alice Springs. 352 00:16:38,600 --> 00:16:41,880 Speaker 1: Another vehicle stolen and driven recklessly and dangerously through the 353 00:16:41,920 --> 00:16:46,040 Speaker 1: CBD ramming cars. The government has got a duty of 354 00:16:46,080 --> 00:16:48,680 Speaker 1: care here to keep people safe and this is now becoming, 355 00:16:48,760 --> 00:16:54,480 Speaker 1: unfortunately a regular occurrence. What urgent work is happening to 356 00:16:54,680 --> 00:16:58,000 Speaker 1: stop this from happening again on territory rides. 357 00:16:58,080 --> 00:16:59,640 Speaker 3: So when I was in Ala Springs, I met with 358 00:16:59,720 --> 00:17:02,200 Speaker 3: police and they explain to me the actions that they're 359 00:17:02,200 --> 00:17:06,160 Speaker 3: putting in place to stop this behavior. It is unacceptable, 360 00:17:06,160 --> 00:17:09,400 Speaker 3: it is disappointing, and it is frustrating for me. So 361 00:17:09,480 --> 00:17:12,840 Speaker 3: they are certainly working in this space and specifically to 362 00:17:12,880 --> 00:17:15,159 Speaker 3: the question around the community of Ola Springs around what 363 00:17:15,240 --> 00:17:17,680 Speaker 3: they can do to deter this behavior. 364 00:17:18,160 --> 00:17:19,960 Speaker 1: I mean, how soon do you think we're going to 365 00:17:19,960 --> 00:17:22,000 Speaker 1: see a change here? How soon do you actually think 366 00:17:22,000 --> 00:17:23,880 Speaker 1: that we're going to stop saying this kind of thing 367 00:17:23,880 --> 00:17:26,800 Speaker 1: on the streets. So, Katie, we're ensuring that police have 368 00:17:26,920 --> 00:17:30,280 Speaker 1: the resources to do their job. They certainly are operationalizing 369 00:17:30,320 --> 00:17:33,560 Speaker 1: this behavior. So it has been a change behavior. It's 370 00:17:33,600 --> 00:17:36,480 Speaker 1: something that we've seen across some of the social media platforms. 371 00:17:36,480 --> 00:17:39,000 Speaker 1: But they certainly respond to the needs of the community. 372 00:17:39,160 --> 00:17:41,320 Speaker 1: Where are things at now, We've taking kids to a 373 00:17:41,359 --> 00:17:45,480 Speaker 1: safe location at night if they do not have parental supervision. 374 00:17:45,800 --> 00:17:48,400 Speaker 3: So, Katie, my understanding is that that's not far off. 375 00:17:48,400 --> 00:17:51,160 Speaker 3: Some days, maybe a week away. Speaking to the minister, 376 00:17:51,280 --> 00:17:55,199 Speaker 3: so they've got a couple of locations identified. So that 377 00:17:55,520 --> 00:17:58,920 Speaker 3: and this, Katie, is not about taking young people. It's 378 00:17:58,960 --> 00:18:01,879 Speaker 3: just about providing that circuit breaker late at night. So 379 00:18:02,000 --> 00:18:04,720 Speaker 3: you take a young person home, you assess the situation, 380 00:18:04,800 --> 00:18:06,639 Speaker 3: you think they're fine with Grainny. An hour later, you 381 00:18:06,680 --> 00:18:08,800 Speaker 3: find them on the streets. It's about that circuit breaker. 382 00:18:09,000 --> 00:18:10,960 Speaker 3: Here's a safe place, have a sleep, let's work it 383 00:18:10,960 --> 00:18:12,760 Speaker 3: out in the light of day. So we're not far 384 00:18:12,800 --> 00:18:13,440 Speaker 3: off that at all. 385 00:18:13,600 --> 00:18:16,440 Speaker 1: All right, this morning you've been out to announce forty 386 00:18:16,480 --> 00:18:18,520 Speaker 1: million dollars is going to be invested over the next 387 00:18:18,520 --> 00:18:22,960 Speaker 1: five years to deliver early circuit breaker parenting support programs. 388 00:18:23,000 --> 00:18:26,040 Speaker 1: So over the coming months, government agencies and service providers 389 00:18:26,119 --> 00:18:28,680 Speaker 1: are going to continue to work together to expand these 390 00:18:28,720 --> 00:18:33,719 Speaker 1: programs and enhance the response to specifically target kids eleven 391 00:18:33,840 --> 00:18:37,040 Speaker 1: years and under and their parents when they show signs 392 00:18:37,040 --> 00:18:40,600 Speaker 1: of engaging well at risk behavior. Can you explain to 393 00:18:40,640 --> 00:18:42,879 Speaker 1: our listeners how these programs are going to help to 394 00:18:42,960 --> 00:18:45,080 Speaker 1: keep territory and safe, Katie, this. 395 00:18:45,080 --> 00:18:45,840 Speaker 2: Is really important. 396 00:18:45,880 --> 00:18:48,520 Speaker 3: I Thank you for the question, because often community they 397 00:18:48,560 --> 00:18:51,200 Speaker 3: get that these kids are in a really difficult situation, 398 00:18:51,320 --> 00:18:53,000 Speaker 3: that the home life not not be the best. So 399 00:18:53,080 --> 00:18:54,720 Speaker 3: what we have as a number of programs, so we've 400 00:18:54,720 --> 00:18:57,800 Speaker 3: got back on track that supports young people to try 401 00:18:57,800 --> 00:19:01,399 Speaker 3: and divert them from en during the justice system. We 402 00:19:01,480 --> 00:19:03,560 Speaker 3: then have the Youth Diversion, So I was at Danella 403 00:19:03,600 --> 00:19:06,760 Speaker 3: deal with this morning, which where they're doing police ordered diversion. 404 00:19:06,840 --> 00:19:09,679 Speaker 3: So they've had fifty young people since July first, and 405 00:19:09,720 --> 00:19:12,760 Speaker 3: they've got an intense three month program where these young 406 00:19:12,760 --> 00:19:15,919 Speaker 3: people go through therapeutic but also you know, taking them 407 00:19:15,920 --> 00:19:18,600 Speaker 3: to the hospital showing them the impact of trauma first 408 00:19:18,640 --> 00:19:22,960 Speaker 3: hand so that they can change their behaviors with that understanding. 409 00:19:23,040 --> 00:19:26,840 Speaker 3: So we've also got camps as well as the restorative conferencing. 410 00:19:26,920 --> 00:19:28,920 Speaker 3: So there's a number of aspects to what we are now. 411 00:19:28,960 --> 00:19:31,440 Speaker 3: So is it new money, Katie. This is money that's 412 00:19:31,480 --> 00:19:34,000 Speaker 3: been within the budget and we will continue to invest 413 00:19:34,119 --> 00:19:37,360 Speaker 3: in this space because it is really important that we 414 00:19:37,440 --> 00:19:41,159 Speaker 3: stop young people from entering that cycle of the justice system. 415 00:19:41,240 --> 00:19:43,439 Speaker 1: All right, now, a couple of other quick things I 416 00:19:43,480 --> 00:19:46,080 Speaker 1: know this morning the government's launched a new website which 417 00:19:46,119 --> 00:19:48,760 Speaker 1: is say we'll address the harmful impacts of alcohol misuse 418 00:19:48,800 --> 00:19:52,000 Speaker 1: because it makes it easier to review data and trends 419 00:19:52,359 --> 00:19:56,040 Speaker 1: about alcohol harm. How is a website going to do that? 420 00:19:56,280 --> 00:19:59,440 Speaker 3: So, Katie, this we are working around having real time 421 00:19:59,520 --> 00:20:01,560 Speaker 3: data for those that work in this space. That this 422 00:20:01,680 --> 00:20:04,480 Speaker 3: is the first step which provides essentral information around the 423 00:20:04,520 --> 00:20:08,320 Speaker 3: alcohol policy, the data monitoring work that we're doing, information 424 00:20:08,440 --> 00:20:11,399 Speaker 3: around the approaches that we're taking because for example, with 425 00:20:11,520 --> 00:20:13,960 Speaker 3: the band Drinker register, there is a number of pathways 426 00:20:13,960 --> 00:20:16,440 Speaker 3: onto that. So this is a central point of information 427 00:20:16,600 --> 00:20:20,120 Speaker 3: around alcohol related harm and our approach in the territory. 428 00:20:20,200 --> 00:20:23,760 Speaker 1: Does the data include any information about alcohol related crime? 429 00:20:23,840 --> 00:20:25,600 Speaker 1: And do you think we're getting to the point where 430 00:20:25,640 --> 00:20:28,760 Speaker 1: maybe that should be included in our crime statistics. 431 00:20:29,400 --> 00:20:31,640 Speaker 3: So Katie, we do have a number of crime statistics 432 00:20:31,680 --> 00:20:32,920 Speaker 3: and I'd have to go away and look at them 433 00:20:32,920 --> 00:20:35,159 Speaker 3: that do have alcohol as a factor. But this is 434 00:20:35,200 --> 00:20:38,199 Speaker 3: our step towards an alcohol data dashboard for those that 435 00:20:38,240 --> 00:20:40,359 Speaker 3: are working in this space, so that we can have 436 00:20:40,480 --> 00:20:42,879 Speaker 3: up to date information from a range of areas. 437 00:20:43,000 --> 00:20:44,800 Speaker 1: They don't the crime stats at the moment sort of 438 00:20:44,800 --> 00:20:47,960 Speaker 1: break it down as assault, domestic violence, related assault. There 439 00:20:48,000 --> 00:20:50,960 Speaker 1: is alcohol related assault, but I mean sort of crime 440 00:20:51,040 --> 00:20:54,040 Speaker 1: that you know, where people are breaking in, stealing alcohol, 441 00:20:54,160 --> 00:20:55,600 Speaker 1: that kind of thing. Is it time for us to 442 00:20:55,600 --> 00:20:58,520 Speaker 1: have a look at whether that's included in the crime 443 00:20:58,600 --> 00:21:02,120 Speaker 1: stats so we can actually see the impact that it's 444 00:21:02,160 --> 00:21:02,960 Speaker 1: having in that way. 445 00:21:03,280 --> 00:21:06,680 Speaker 3: So, Katie, the crime statistics and the way that they're 446 00:21:06,720 --> 00:21:10,160 Speaker 3: formulated are based on information that are collected from police. 447 00:21:10,600 --> 00:21:12,640 Speaker 3: I'm happy to take on board the point that you've 448 00:21:12,640 --> 00:21:16,000 Speaker 3: made and see if there's some way that can be incorporated. 449 00:21:16,160 --> 00:21:18,720 Speaker 3: We do know that alcohol is a factoring a large 450 00:21:18,800 --> 00:21:21,159 Speaker 3: range of offenses right across the Northern Territory. It's the 451 00:21:21,200 --> 00:21:24,360 Speaker 3: biggest social challenge we face. It costs our community significantly, 452 00:21:24,359 --> 00:21:26,000 Speaker 3: but it is a legal product, so we try and 453 00:21:26,000 --> 00:21:28,760 Speaker 3: put in place balances that protect the community but do 454 00:21:28,880 --> 00:21:30,720 Speaker 3: respect people's right to access. 455 00:21:30,880 --> 00:21:32,760 Speaker 1: Alright, Chief Minister, we've run out of time. We're going 456 00:21:32,800 --> 00:21:34,280 Speaker 1: to have to leave it there. Thank you, as always 457 00:21:34,280 --> 00:21:35,520 Speaker 1: for catching up with us this morning. 458 00:21:35,560 --> 00:21:35,920 Speaker 2: Thank you