Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s Tennant Creek visit is significant but now real action is needed

AS he stood holding a young Tennant Creek child in his arms, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull had never been closer to the problem which tragically grabbed national headlines in February

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull holds a young child as he arrives at Tennant Creek on Sunday. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts

AS he stood holding a young Tennant Creek child in his arms, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull had never been closer to the problem which tragically grabbed national headlines in February.

Surrounded by locals who have lived through the outcries and the pleas for help since the rape of a two-year-old girl, the young child’s destiny is yet to be decided.

As Mr Turnbull walked the streets of Tennant Creek on Sunday night, he saw the problems facing the town for himself.

The NT News has campaigned for months for Mr Turnbull to visit and, despite the lengthy wait for his arrival, the day has come.

He has been urged to listen to the voices of people, beyond the government agencies responsible for looking after these children.

He has also been told to “not be afraid” by a former NT Ombudsman when formulating policies to end the generational cycles of harm.

Who he meets, how they interact and truths he is told could determine the course of action the federal government takes.

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The hundreds of locals who came out to welcome Mr Turnbull want the same outcome – for the misery to end and the next generation of children to grow up in a safe environment. In 20 years’ time, hopefully the child in Mr Turnbull’s arms will be educated, healthy and safe.

They can tell a story of the past being overcome and look forward to the brightest of futures on the horizon.

We sincerely thank Mr Turnbull for showing he cares but positive outcomes and solutions are what the next generations need.