Non-government organisations have come out in support of peak bodies amid Opposition Leader Peter Dutton's claims of a rise of sexual assault and abuse in Alice Springs.
The Benevolent Society, Mission Australia, Rise, Brotherhood of St Laurence and Uniting NSW and ACT have collectively thrown their support behind statements made by Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC) and NSW Child, Family and Community Peak Aboriginal Corporation (AbSec) calling for a better focus on First Nations self-determination rights.
The group of NGOs noted that First Nations community leadership is critical in meeting Closing the Gap targets.
Mission Australia executive officer Sharon Callister said they stand with SNAICC and AbSec.
"We stand alongside SNAICC and AbSec's calls for self-determination and community-led solutions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Northern Territory," she said.
"Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families and communities have the answers – we need to support and invest in the strengths of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to lead the work that affects them."
Rise executive officer Justine Colyer said the organisation recognises the necessity of First Nation self-determination to help close the gap nationwide.
"Although a Western Australia based organisation, Rise recognises the importance of supporting self-determination in other States and Territories as critical for the success in closing the gap nationwide," she said.
It comes as SNAICC executive officer Catherine Liddle responded to Mr Dutton's claims earlier this April that domestic violence and sexual abuse were a common occurrence in the Alice Springs community.
Ms Liddle said sexual abuse is a serious crime and should not be used as political weapon.
"If Mr Dutton, any politician, or any community member has evidence about sexual abuse of children then the mandatory process is to make a report to the authorities," she said.
"The claims of 'rampant' abuse fly in the face of evidence. Data from Territory Families show there has been no escalation in investigations of sexual abuse or exploitation.
"SNAICC invites Mr Dutton and Senator Price to meet with SNAICC and community members for a considered, evidence-based discussion of the issue of child sexual abuse and the over-representation of Aboriginal children in the child protection system.
"Despite an invitation last year, they have never approached SNAICC for more information or to hear about community-led solutions."
AbSec executive officer John Leha concurred with Ms Liddle: sexual abuse is not "political football".
"In solidarity with SNAICC, AbSec call on the Opposition leader to engage in an evidenced based discussion. Aboriginal peoples have been raising strong, healthy children for millennia," he said.
"Our communities are the experts in raising happy, healthy and resilient children, and our children are made stronger by the richness of their culture.
"Safe and supported communities are NOT an "ideological agenda" or a political football but a human right."
The group of NGOs also said First Nations people in the Territory have the right be consulted in decision-making concerning legislative and policy changes affecting their rights and interest.
