The Northern Territory government has axed a forum providing policy advice on the prevention of domestic, family, and sexual violence (DFSV), instead reconstructing the panel alongside other government and non-government entities.

The plan was leaked to sector representatives on Thursday afternoon and then cancelled, effective immediately, by the CLP government. It prompted Labor to criticise the decision and the Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance to label it "disappointing".

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, Robyn Cahill, told reporters there had been "very large, quite unwieldy" groups involved in the DV space in the past and the forum had "served its role really well to this point".

However, the Minister said the government was now focussed on "doing rather than the creation of policy", highlighting two new panels that will consist of government and non-government members and arguing that rather than dismantling, it was about "refocusing and a re-prioritising".

"We're creating another group where we can actually have a broad range of people who can be brought together where we need to, to get specific information that will help supplement the new plan we're putting together," she said.

Dr John Paterson, the chief executive of one of the member groups of the dissolved forum, the Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance NT (AMSANT), said the "dissolution of the DFSV Advisory Forum is disappointing".

"At a time when the DFSV crisis continues to have a devastating impact on the wellbeing of Territorians—particularly Aboriginal women and families—the loss of a coordinated, transparent, and cross-sector response risks taking a step backward," Dr Paterson said.

"It is vital that the community sector continues to have a seat at the table."

Dr Paterson noted, however, that AMSANT remained "hopeful that the Government will continue to uphold its commitment to progress by identifying new and effective ways to engage with the sector".

He said the NT Government had "demonstrated a commitment to collaboration throughout the life of the 10-year plan to address domestic, family and sexual violence", which recognised that the prevention and response to DFSV is a "shared responsibility" across all government bodies, along with organisations and the community.

"To effectively address DFSV in the Territory, we must work together across sectors, and in genuine partnership with Aboriginal people and communities, to develop solutions that lead to real and lasting change—aligned with the National Agreement on Closing the Gap," Dr Paterson said.

Deputy opposition leader, Dheran Young, said the decision by the government "defies all common sense".

He said that while the government said they "care about addressing domestic violence," so far, they have "refused to get desperately needed funding out to services and now they've shut out expert advice".

NT News reported Opposition spokesman for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, Chansey Paech, said the decision was another example of the CLP government wanting to "dismiss those voices that aren't aligning with theirs".

"This is the government saying, 'this is a black problem' — rather than a Territory problem," he said. "It's a Territory issue that we all need to work on."

On Thursday, the government also announced they would simultaneously be "elevating the role" of the existing DFSV Aboriginal Advisory Board (AAB).

The promotion of the AAB, which consists of nine members who provide advice on responding to the impacts of DFSV on First Nations people and communities in the NT, was welcomed by AMSANT.

"Reflecting this need, we welcome the Government's commitment to strengthen the role and function of the Ministerially appointed DFSV Aboriginal Advisory Board through a formal review process," Dr Paterson said.

"The first-of-its-kind initiative provides a critical platform to elevate the voices of those with cultural knowledge and lived experience to guide meaningful reform."

The NT has the worst domestic violence rates in the country, with intimate partner homicides seven times higher than the national average.

Of the at least 476 First Nations women killed since 1989, a third were Territorian, according to a report by the Australian Institute of Criminology.

If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, family or domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit  www.1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.

13YARN - 13 92 76

Aboriginal Counselling Services - 0410 539 905