“I have heard stories of the security guards moving people on who are not a public nuisance but because of the colour of their skin.”

‘It appears to be increasing’

“This coincides with decades of neglect of bush communities, increased poverty and social nuisance.”

A call to action unanswered

The Aboriginal Justice Agreement was signed by the Labor government in August 2021, after more than 160 consultations across three years in more than 120 communities.

“Policies over decades have neglected homeland towns and meant that many people have been forced into bigger towns where there are increasing problems.”

Members from the opposition and crossbench Justine Davis, Yingiya Mark Guyula, Chansey Peach, Kat McNamara and Manuel Brown join protesters againsts the Country Liberal Party’s plan to lower the age of criminal responsibility from 12 to 10. Credit: AAP Image/(A)manda Parkinson. Source: AAP / (A)MANDA PARKINSON/AAPIMAGE

After four hours of debate late Wednesday, Mr Guyula was left disappointed after his right of reply was further delayed and amendments to his motion saw its purpose lost.

“I move an amendment to this motion, that this Assembly: acknowledges the harm caused by all forms of racism whether based on race, ethnicity, culture or religion across the Northern Territory,” Ms Boothby said.

A move to vote on the motion was later voted down which suspends Mr Guyula’s right of reply until the motion returns to Parliament on a date yet to be set.