Dear Editor,

So Labor supports the motion put by the Member for Mulka, Yingiya Guyula, to look into establishing a statutory body to review the impact of bills on First Nations people.

In the previous assembly the Territory Labor government had two scrutiny committees which they later reduced to one. Then in the present assembly they scrapped that last committee.

These scrutiny committees were designed to look at bills before parliament as part of Labor’s opening parliament to the people policy.

The scrutiny committees were established by Labor to make sure any legislation had sufficient regard, amongst other things, to the rights and liberties of individuals.

All legislation has the potential to affect people regardless of race.

Scrutiny committees were able to hold public meetings anywhere in the Territory to discuss bills before they were debated in parliament so people could have a say.

Naturally if legislation was aimed primarily at one group there would be more focus on their opinions.

I understand what Mr Guyila is trying to do but Labor has the means to do it without setting up a new committee, they can reintroduce a scrutiny committee right now. That scrutiny committee could do what Mr Guyula is looking for.

The only difference is, it wouldn’t be just for one group of Territorians.

Maybe Mr Guyula could be the independent chair of the committee but knowing Labor, don’t hold your breath, after all an independent chair for them would be unthinkable.

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