Jenny McAllister (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy) Share this | Hansard source

I am pleased to make a contribution on the Northern Territory Safe Measures Bill 2023. I thank colleagues for their contributions on this bill, especially those who have shared their personal stories and experiences. I should indicate that in speaking on this bill I am not speaking in my capacity as the minister; I am simply making a personal contribution as a senator participating in the chamber. It is important that the Senate hears about these issues and works on these issues.

We know people are doing it tough in Alice Springs and that more needs to be done to improve community safety, particularly to protect women and children. It has been my privilege in my time in this place to have had some responsibilities that have afforded me opportunities to work with the many people in community who every day get up and apply themselves exclusively to protecting women and children right across the country. We need to keep women and children safe in all communities all around Australia. And we need to keep people safe in Alice Springs. But the government and I disagree with the proposed solution to this problem in the bill. This bill is not necessary and federal legislation is not necessary. Federal intervention is not the right step.

We have recently had a big and important step in the right direction: the Northern Territory government has taken responsibility, and recently legislated new alcohol restrictions. I seek leave to continue my remarks later.

Leave granted.

Debate interrupted.