Warlpiri Elder Uncle Ned Hargraves journeyed from the Red Centre to the Garma Festival with a heartfelt message filled with grief, anger, and a strong call for justice. However, his intention to personally convey this message to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was thwarted when the Prime Minister had to leave the festival early due to illness.

The pain of silence, he says, is part of a much bigger problem.

A voice for justice

He also condemned recent amendments to the NT Sacred Sites Act, which have been criticised as watering down the legislation protecting such sites.

“The NT Liberal government is acting from a criminal mindset – like an illegal occupying foreign power.”

A system that punishes, not protects

Uncle Ned also criticized the NT Police and Acting Commissioner Martin Dole regarding the death of Kumanjayi White, questioning why the officers involved haven’t been suspended and why essential CCTV footage hasn’t been provided to the family’s legal representatives.

The NT government has been contacted for comment.

Government responds

A spokesperson emphasized that the responsibility for the justice system lies with the states and territories. Still, they confirmed that Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy has sought a meeting with the Northern Territory Chief Minister to discuss concerns over recent legislation and its effects on Aboriginal communities.

‘Make history’

“If Australia is serious about reconciliation with the only lawful sovereigns of this country,” he wrote, “prove it. Take action now. Make history.”