The Australian Greens said today that the Government needs to rethink it’s Stronger Futures legislation in light of evidence and testimony presented to a Senate Inquiry into the Bills.

“There are serious community doubts about the ability of  Stronger Futures to improve community outcomes. People are critical of the Intervention and see Stronger Futures as an extension of it,” Australian Greens spokesperson on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Issues, Senator Rachel Siewert said today.

Senator Siewert is in the Northern Territory as a member of the Community Affairs Senate Committee which is holding public hearings on the legislation.

“What is really clear from the people we’ve been speaking to is that consultation around this legislation was substandard,” said Senator Siewert.

"One Elder from an outstation 300 km outside of Alice Springs commented that he was not consulted about Stronger Futures and was first made aware of the legislation by the Land Council in November, after the legislation was tabled. This stands in stark contrast to the claims made by the Government over its extensive consultation with Aboriginal communities.

“The people we’ve spoken to from a number of communities in the NT have expressed their concerns about the impact of this legislation. Many do not believe it will deliver improved outcomes to their communities.

"One community member said that the new legislation is regarded as just another intervention, which will lead to a loss of autonomy and an increase in the number of people leaving country and moving to larger towns.

“Losing links to country and heritage is very damaging for communities.

"The Greens oppose this legislation but in the event of the Government proceeding with it, it is clear that there will need to be significant amendments made, " Senator Siewert concluded.