Alice death an ‘absolute tragedy’: Minister

Senator Malarndirri McCarthy has called the deaths of a man in Alice Springs this week as an “absolute tragedy’ and has reached out to NT Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro for more information.

Speaking on ABC Darwin today Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Senator McCarthy, said she believed the man was searching for food.

“I’ve spoken to family members and expressed my sympathy, but also wanted to understand what they’ve been told, how they’ve been communicated with,” Senator McCarthy said.

“I’ve also reached out to the Chief Minister who is also the Northern Territory Police Minister, to understand what the process is in terms of the investigation, but also to express my concerns given that this incredibly tragic incident has occurred when family members are also preparing for the handing down of the coronial inquiry into Kumanjayi Walker’s death so many years ago.

“As Northern Territory Senator, I’m very concerned in terms of incidents and events that happen here. But what makes this one even more difficult.

“You have this young man, who’s lost his life when he’s gone to a supermarket, and we’ll obviously find out more details about that.

So, this particular incident heightens the concerns in terms of trying to keep calm in the community on both sides and for everyone-not just the family of Yuendumu and those people who knew this young man, but also for the police and the investigation, for the security guards, for the Coles employees.

“This is a very, very important time to remind people to just take a deep breath here while we work out how to handle this in the most appropriate way.”

Senator McCarthy said it was tough amidst the background of Reconciliation Week.

“Reconciliation in our country is still important, you know, to bring Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians together. And I do commend the schools and the organisations that are doing their best to keep peace across the country,” she said.