Linda Burney recalls moment she and her staff tried to save woman’s life in alleged stabbing

Linda Burney has laid bare the moment she and her staff attempted to save a woman who had allegedly been fatally stabbed.

Linda Burney has described the moment she comforted the family of a woman who died after being allegedly stabbed outside a Darwin hotel.

The federal Indigenous Australians Minister said her staff tried to save the 51-year-old woman’s life after she stumbled into the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel seeking help on Friday night.

A 56-year-old man has since been charged with murder.

The victim had run into the reception area of the hotel after allegedly suffering a stab wound around 6pm, NT police said.

Ms Burney said staff from her office and the hotel rushed to the aid of the woman while comforting members of the family.

Ms Burney had been travelling in the NT for two days when the incident occurred. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

“My heartfelt condolences go out to the woman’s family and her loved ones,” Ms Burney said in a statement.

“I want to thank the hotel staff, the Northern Territory Police and the paramedics who attended.”

The woman was rushed to Royal Darwin Hospital with life-threatening injuries but died a short time later.

In a statement, NT Police said the accused was arrested at the scene.

“CCTV operators were able to direct police to the man, who was still in the area, and he was arrested without incident,” they said.

He is listed to appear before court on Monday.

Speaking on Sky News, Assistant Minister Malarndirri McCarthy described the death as a “terrible day” for the nation.

“Yesterday was a terrible day …. so many thoughts and feelings for the family and also those present on the evening, the hotel staff, staff of Linda Burney who were present and the paramedics,” the NT Labor senator said.

“It’s a reminder of the violence women suffer every week.”