The Northern Territory's Shadow Attorney General has called for urgent action after footage emerged of children fighting as adults cheered them on in a remote community.
The NT News reported on the weekend that the violence took place in Willowra/Wirliyatjarrayi, about 338km northwest of Alice Springs/Mparntwe. Much of it was broadcast on social media and has been described as a symptom of a community "crying out for help", with residents saying the bodies meant to protect them have failed to act.
In an open letter to Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro, Labor MP Chansey Paech — whose electorate of Gwoja includes Willowra — said the incidents had "reignited long-standing tensions between family groups, following the passing of a senior Elder and Traditional Owner late last year".
He warned the NT government "must not stand by" and that "action must be taken now to prevent further harm".
"Willowra deserves the same level of action, resourcing, and urgency that any larger town in the Territory would receive," Mr Paech said.
"I have written to the Chief Minister calling for government action and offered my full support to work with all parties to achieve a lasting resolution."
Willowra does not have a permanent police station, and Mr Paech said the community "has been clear they want a full-time police presence, alongside mediation and conflict resolution to restore peace".
"Any action must be taken in full partnership with local leaders, Elders, and families to ensure solutions are culturally appropriate and community-led," he said.
A local resident told the NT News that "for the past six months there's been fights almost daily". The outlet also reported that aged care, youth, sport and recreation services, and the community development program had all been withdrawn from the area.
While the CLP government said it had "stepped up mediation efforts", Mr Paech — an Eastern Arrernte and Gurindji man — condemned the violence as "unacceptable" and repeated that the community "deserves the same level of safety and support as any larger town in the Northern Territory".
"I am urging the Government to engage the Community Justice Centre in conjunction with Southern Tanami Kurdiji Indigenous Corporation (STKIC) to provide mediation and peacekeeping services, restorative justice measures and consider any other temporary measures as part of a coordinated safety plan," he said.
"Community safety must be our first priority, keeping children, Elders, and families safe while giving people the space and support they need to resolve this dispute.
"If we fail to act, there is a real risk this conflict will spill into Alice Springs and Tennant Creek."
Speaking on ABC radio, Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro accused Mr Paech of hypocrisy, arguing Labor's time in power had fuelled problems in Central Australia.
"He was the Attorney-General who weakened all the laws and completely turned a blind eye to this level of crime and dysfunction in remote communities like this one in his own electorate," she said.
"We will continue to provide services ... we are very focused on dealing with the root causes of crime, something Labor completely ignored."
Ms Finocchiaro's Country Liberal Party has been in power for almost one year, having taken office at the election held 24 August last year.
Her government has faced accusations from Indigenous leaders of creating an incarceration crisis and targeting Aboriginal people, while ignoring expert advice — allegations Ms Finocchiaro has rejected.
Mr Paech said he understood Child Protection authorities were already active in the community and supported their "collaborative approach to ensuring the safety of children".
"I also acknowledge the dedication of the community, Night Patrol, health workers, school staff and other stakeholders who are working towards peace and stability," he said.
