The NT Government is considering challenging a landmark decision by the NT Supreme Court this week that found the Department of Territory Families, Housing and Communities is responsible for delivering potable drinking water to residents in the remote community of Laramba.
Why is water the responsibility of families and housing and not Power Water? Or given that this is is on private land why aren’t the land owners also responsible?
Many of these communities were established where people had lived and survived for centuries. Wells were drilled decades ago when many of the modern standards were not in place. High time the land councils took responsibility and looked after people instead of skimming funds and building empires. Everywhere else in Australia it is user pays. The taxes paid over a lifetime cover government subsidies.