Clare Martin “recalcitrant” on child abuse
NT Chief Minister Clare Martin has snubbed Federal government plans for a summit to discuss the problems facing some Indigenous communities. She says the Commonwealth has failed to meet their financial obligations to Aboriginal Territorians. But Opposition Health and Communities spokesman Dr Richard Lim, says he’s uncovered a 50% funding shortage for child abuse investigations, in the Territory’s budget figures. Co-ordinator of the Alice Springs Women’s Shelter, Maxine Schulte, says she fears for the future of affected communities and children, without adequate funding and intervention. Late today the NT Community Services Minister, issued a statement saying that “When a report of child abuse or neglect is received, it is investigated immediately… Some of the cases do not go onto full investigations as the initial reports are the result of misunderstandings”.