The Government’s stealthy expansion of income management measures is a sign they have failed to learn their lesson in the Northern Territory, Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens spokesperson on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Issues said today.

“The Government remains unable to effectively develop and implement policies alongside communities in the Northern Territory,” said Senator Siewert.

“An immediate concern I have is the extension of income management, which will see the ability to quarantine income support payments expanded to states and territories.

“This means referrals could be made for any number of reasons, despite the fact we know that income management has been ineffective.

“Furthermore, the Government is expanding the SEAM trial despite any evidence to indicate it works. It should instead be directing resources to communities in order to bring about change.

“The alcohol measures in the NTER have failed and now the Government is using a half-baked package to try them all over again. This package misses key elements such as price control.

“The Government is refusing to stand up to the alcohol industry and introduce a floor price on alcohol, takeaway free days and better restrictions on the large number of liquor outlets in the NT.

"They want to review effectiveness of their measures in 2 years but we know already that a better approach is needed. The community has been asking for more real assistance – but the Government isn’t listening.

“It is disappointing that when the Government had the opportunity to take a different path, they have chosen not to do so,” Senator Siewert concluded.