A panel of independent NT justice experts has suspended its involvement with the Northern Territory government. This decision stems from a reported breakdown in genuine dialogue and shared decision-making.
Seven members of the Northern Territory Justice Policy Partnership (NTJPP) formally announced their six-month suspension on Thursday night. They described the government’s engagement as a “facade of scrutiny, dialogue and collaboration.”
Moreover, two other members had already resigned independently since July, leaving only one remaining. This significant walkout comes shortly after a series of high-profile resignations from other government-affiliated bodies.
The NTJPP, established in 2023 under the Closing the Gap agreement, aimed to develop evidence-based solutions. These solutions sought to address the over-representation of First Nations people in the justice system.
NTJPP co-chair Matthew Connop stated that the government had disregarded members’ advice on vital policy reform. He expressed reluctance to leave the table, but affirmed that the panel could not continue if its advice was consistently ignored.
The non-governmental members claim they received no adequate response to letters sent in October 2024 and May 2025. These communications raised serious concerns about progress towards Closing the Gap targets. They further allege their input was “repeatedly set aside.”
The NT government, they assert, has departed from its shared decision-making commitments. This raises questions about its capacity to partner with experts whose views may differ from government policy.
In response, NT Attorney General Marie-Clare Boothby issued a public statement on Friday. She declared that the ruling Country Liberal Party (CLP) was elected to reduce crime across the Territory.
Boothby stated there would be “no more coddling criminals, no more talk-fests, and no more identity politics.” She added that Territorians had made these demands “loudly and clearly.”
The attorney general further affirmed the government’s commitment to reducing crime, rebuilding the economy, and restoring the unique Territory lifestyle. She stated these were the jobs Territorians elected them to do.
The suspension by the NT justice experts is not a permanent withdrawal. Instead, the panel has invited the NT Government to use the six-month period to restore a genuine partnership. They seek a renewed focus on effective crime reduction strategies.
This episode follows other significant departures. Yolgnu independent MP Yiŋiya Guyula resigned two weeks prior, becoming the fourth high-profile figure to step down since the CLP took office in 2024.
Dr. Richard Fejo, a senior Larrakia and Warramunga man, also resigned from the Darwin Waterfront Corporation in late 2024. His resignation protested the new government’s decision to lower the age of criminal responsibility to 10 years old.
Fejo criticised the CLP, saying they are “running the race in the wrong direction” regarding Closing the Gap. He felt his appeals were ignored.
Earlier, in July, NT Children’s Commissioner Shahleena Musk resigned over changes to child protection laws. That same month, Rob McPhee, CEO of Danila Dilba Aboriginal Health Services, resigned as the independent Aboriginal chair of the NT children and families tripartite forum.
