CLP voices call for Giles’, Elferink’s heads

MORE voices of discontent within the Country Liberals sounded off yesterday, criticising Adam Giles and John Elferink’s handling of the horrific abuses of youth detainees at Don Dale and renewing calls for Mr Elferink to be stood down completely

MORE voices of discontent within the Country Liberals sounded off yesterday, criticising Adam Giles and John Elferink’s handling of the horrific abuses of youth detainees at Don Dale and renewing calls for Mr Elferink to be stood down completely.

Numerous indigenous and community groups, legal groups, a former Chief Minister, a member of the current CLP wing and a former leader of the embattled party have now all come out to call for political leadership in the face of turmoil.

Former CLP minister Matt Conlan told the ABC yesterday that Mr Giles needs to stop blaming everyone else for the abuses at Don Dale that included kids being tear-gassed while in their cells, strapped to “mechanical” restraint chairs and locked in confinement for days.

“In good conscience, I have to say something,” Mr Conlan said. “I need to encourage the Chief Minister to stop blaming other people for this. Put your hand up and say okay we got it wrong. We need to be bigger than this.

“I’m so sorry these children were subjected to this treatment. I’m just so sorry that as a member of the cabinet, as a minister of the crown, at the time that I didn’t make it my business and essentially allowed it to continue.”

That apology struck a chord with former CLP leader Jodeen Carney, who called it heartfelt.

“I was moved by Conlan’s apology because it was extensive, unqualified and heartfelt — and it was manful of him to do it,” she told the NT News.

Ms Carney added that Mr Giles should heed advice from Mr Conlan on taking responsibility. She also called for Mr Giles to sack Mr Elferink for the good of the Northern Territory.

“It’s a national disgrace that he continues to hold those other portfolios,” she said.

“It further destroys the credibility of the Government at a time when it barely has any. It is yet another demonstration of Adam Giles’ poor judgment and poor leadership.”

Mr Giles declined to answer questions posed by the NT News yesterday, including why he felt Mr Elferink was not fit for the corrections portfolio but should still handle child protection orders and continue as the Attorney-General.

And yesterday Mr Elferink continued to avoid questions, with sources indicating he had left town.

A spokesman said he was on leave and would not be available “in the immediate future”. The former Corrections Minister has not fronted media questioning over his role in the Don Dale abuse saga since the 4 Corners program aired on ABC on Monday night.

Mr Giles has assumed Mr Elferink’s remaining portfolios, leaving the Chief Minister with 11 portfolios.