Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders from across the country have met in Darwin to discuss key priorities aimed at closing the gap on indigenous disadvantage particularly around youth justice. It comes just one month after the death in police custody of Warlpiri man Kumanjayi White in Alice Springs which ignited protests around the country.
00:00After a unique welcoming ceremony by Larrakia's saltwater people, it was time for the Joint Council of Closing the Gap to get down to business.
00:12We know it's going to be tough in this room today, but that's why we're here.
00:18The National Gathering, bringing together Aboriginal peak bodies and State and Territory Indigenous Affairs Ministers with goals such as progressing youth justice reform and reducing the number of children in out-of-home care.
00:31The recent death in custody of Warprey man Kuminjai White in Alice Springs also front of mind.
00:38It is important that we see a reduction and an end to deaths in custody.
00:43We are looking at what's happening here in the Northern Territory. It is of concern.
00:48While it's one thing to bring together nearly all the State and Territory Indigenous Affairs Ministers together in one room,
00:55it's another to reach consensus, particularly on Australia's treatment of youth offenders and the age of criminal responsibility.
01:03With the meeting underway, the NT Government released a statement touting its increasing prisoner numbers,
01:10plans to arm public safety officers with guns in shopping centres, bottle shops, buses and public housing precincts,
01:17and to let members of the public carry pepper spray.
01:21The NT Government and other jurisdictions' hardline approaches to crime are sticking point.
01:26Locking up 10-year-old kids isn't justice, it's a failure of policy and compassion.
01:31The Joint Council will now meet with Australia's Attorneys-General to discuss youth justice reform as well as Aboriginal deaths in custody.
