Marielle Smith (SA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I also rise to make a contribution on the Northern Territory Safe Measures Bill 2023. In doing so, I want to thank all the colleagues who've previously made a contribution to this debate. I acknowledge Senator Nampijinpa Price's genuine concerns for the Northern Territory and her community in Alice Springs as well.

We have heard throughout this debate some deeply distressing and personal stories from a number of senators, and I acknowledge that it can be a difficult thing to bring these stories into a public forum. This has been a moving debate and it is clear to us that people in Central Australia are doing it really tough right now. The sticking point here is a difference in opinion over the solutions. I don't think there is any difference in opinion in this debate about the challenges and the problems. I agree with everyone who has come and spoken in this debate and has put forward the view that we of course need to be putting women and children first and prioritising their safety. But, again, the government has a disagreement with the solutions put forward by the senator, and that comes down to this question of whether federal legislation is required.

I haven't heckled anyone during this debate so I would appreciate being able to be heard.