NT Government to appeal remote tenants right to ‘humane’ housing
THE NT Supreme Court will hear the NT Government’s arguments for appeal against a landmark housing ruling
Centralian Advocate
Don't miss out on the headlines from Centralian Advocate. Followed categories will be added to My News.
THE NT Supreme Court will today hear the NT Government’s arguments for appeal against a landmark ruling, which advocates say had the potential to set a precedent for remote housing in the Territory.
Last year, the Supreme Court found homes in the remote Central Australian community of in Ltyentye Apurte (Santa Teresa) should be good enough to live in, “comfortable” and “humane”, not just “safe”.
The Australian Human Rights Commission since announced it would intervene in the case and would present on the obligation to provide housing in line with international human rights standards.
MORE TOP NEWS
Alice Springs teams win on home soil during Imparja Cup
MLA raises fears NT Health’s restructure will see ‘services stripped from the regions’
$160k penalty for Territory business and director over apprentice’s electrocution death
Today’s appeal is the latest step in the five-year saga which began in 2016 in the NT Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
It later made its way to the NT Supreme Court after 70 remote public housing tenants launched complaints about the standard of their housing in Santa Teresa.
In September 2020 the NT Supreme court ruled in favour of the tenants and ordered the lead claimant – Enid Young – be paid compensation, but the NT Government said it would appeal the court’s decision.
The NT Government will argue grounds of appeal, including that the Supreme Court Justice Jenny Blokland erred in holding the obligation to provide “habitable” housing.
Australian Lawyers for Remote Aboriginal Rights solicitor Dan Kelly said there was “much at stake for remote housing in the Territory”
“We know that remote communities from the Top End and Centre are watching the developments of this case very keenly,” Mr Kelly said.
Grata Fund founder and executive director Isabelle Reinecke said it was “staggering that the NT Government has the gall to stand up in court and argue against the rights of their very own constituents to humane rental homes”.
$1 FOR ALL YOUR NEWS? HERE’S HOW: Sign up now to our amazing deal of $1 for 28 days
“Housing has been in a state of crisis across successive governments … (Chief Minister) Gunner has another term ahead of him and he must work with community-controlled organisations to improve the rental homes of his remote constituents and show that health, climate preparedness, community control and cultural appropriateness matter to his Government,” she said.
The case will be heard at the NT Supreme Court in Darwin today.
‘See some records broken’: First medals given out as ‘Games with Heart’ kicks off
One of the biggest weeks on the Red Centre sporting calendar is underway in full force, drawing thousands of competitors – some of whom have already taken out the top prize. SEE THE PICTURES.
Fire fears as heritage-listed mural sits forgotten after $3m acquisition
A fire danger period being declared hasn’t spurred the government into action over a site it acquired for more than $3 million – leading to fears an important piece of NT heritage could be reduced to ash.