Arafura MLA’s sudden death highlights low life expectancy for Indigenous men

The shock death of a prominent Indigenous Labor MLA at the weekend has put Aboriginal health in the spotlight.

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles has addressed the life expectancy gap between Aboriginal and non-Indigenous men, following the sudden death of a prominent Northern Territory politician over the weekend.

The Member for Arafura, 52, died on Saturday night, with reports first coming to light on Sunday.

The NT News has chosen not to name the man for cultural reasons.

Asked to comment on the Arafura MLA’s relatively young age, Ms Fyles contrasted his death with that of other Indigenous MLAs who have served the Territory Labor Party in parliament.

These include former champion VFL footballer Maurice Rioli, who was the Arafura MLA between 1992 and 2001 and died aged 53 in 2010; Wes Lanhupuy, who died aged 43 in 1995, and was the member for Arnhem between 1983 and 1995, and Stanley Tipiloura, former member for Arafura, who died in office in 1992 aged 35.

“He was tragically too young and tragically on the Labor side we look back at Wes Lanhupuy, Stan Tipiloura and Maurice Rioli either serving or had not long finished serving,” Ms Fyles said.

Wes Lanhupuy died aged 43 in 1995 and was the member for Arnhem between 1983 and 1995.

“I think it tells that story and that's why we need to be focused around Indigenous health and the factors that lead to poorer outcomes for Indigenous Territorians and that is an absolute focus for me and my government.”

The NT Closing the Gap implementation plan annual report 2021-22 states Indigenous Territorians were dying 12 years earlier than non-Indigenous Territorians.

The latest annual report says the goal to close the life expectancy gap within a generation was not on track, with the gap worsening for Indigenous women.

Indigenous women in the Territory were dying 12.8 years before non-Indigenous women in the Territory.

In 2005-07 women’s life expectancy gap was 11.6 years.

The report found the gap was reducing for Indigenous men, who were still dying 11.5 years before non-Indigenous Territorians.

“For males and females, life expectancy reduced with remoteness,” it said.

Bureau of Statistics figures point to a significant life-expectancy gap between Australian males, with non-Indigenous men in major cities averaging 80 years of age compared to 65.9 years for an Indigenous man in remote and very remote communities.

Ms Fyles said the Arafura MLA provided wise counsel on serious issues affecting Tiwi Island, West Arnhem and Maningrida.

“The member for Arafua came to the parliameent with a strong background in health, local government and as a member of ATSIC,” Ms Fyles said.

Former Arafura MLA, the late Maurice Rioli, during press conference in 1993. He died aged 53 in 2010.

“For me it was the work he did around remote health and housing. Not only making sure the views of people in his electorate (were heard) but the views of remote Territorians, particularly around the need for culturally appropriate health care.

“That is something I think will be a lasting legacy and the importance of housing and the investment in remote housing.

“He was a wonderful person, and he wasn’t necessarily at the forefront and didn’t necessarily have a view on everything. He didn’t have to speak for the sake of it, not like many politicians, and when he did speak they were words of wisdom.

“Our team is in shock my colleagues and ourselves are greving and we want to be there for his family and his community, but he’ll be sorely missed. He was unique.

“That role he played within our team and more broadly the parliament. There has been contact from the cross bench and opposition benches. He certainly bought those wise words of wisdom to our parliament.”

Labor Senator Malarndirri McCarthy paid tribute to the Member for Arafura.

“His generous ways, cheeky smiles and love for his family and the Tiwi people will stay strong in our memories,” Senator McCarthy wrote on Facebook.

NT Senator Malarndirri McCarthy has paid tribute to the Arafura MLA who passed away on Saturday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

“Thankyou brother ... for your service to the electorate of Arafura and to Territorians more broadly in your six years in the NT parliament and on local government prior to entering NT politics. My thoughts also go out to your staff and colleagues and all who worked with you in Parliament House.

“From my staff and my families to yours, may your spirit Rest In Peace brother with the ancestors gone before us. Bauji barra