The Times Australia
The Times Australia

.
The Times Real Estate

.

NAAJA FALLS FURTHER


The appointment as chair of the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Association of a man who pleaded guilty to assaulting his pregnant partner is unacceptable.

Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price and Shadow Attorney General Senator Michaelia Cash today condemned the NAAJA board for the appointment of Mr Hugh Woodbury as chair despite knowing that he had pleaded guilty to domestic violence charges against his pregnant partner. 

Senator Nampijinpa Price said, “to appoint as board chair a person who has admitted to behaving in this way is simply unacceptable.” 

“Aboriginal people experience some of the highest rates of family and domestic violence in our country. The prevention of this kind of offending is the precise context in which NAAJA operates, making the hypocrisy of this appointment all the more blatant.”  

“This is yet another example of the double standards that we hold when it comes to Aboriginal people and organisations. How would the government and national media react if someone with the same rap sheet was put in charge of Women’s Legal Services Australia?” Senator Nampijinpa Price asked.

Senator Cash said: “Serious unanswered questions remain over the culture and governance at NAAJA. The Commonwealth directs millions of dollars into the organisation every year, but instead of seeing that money being used to achieve outcomes on the ground, it seems we are yet again responding to questionable board decisions.

“When will the Attorney-General step in?  What steps is he actually taking to ensure our money is being used as intended?”

“Will we see any changes to the woefully deficient services delivered on his watch in places like Alice Springs? Or will he simply throw more money at the problem in the hopes it will go away, as the NLAP review seems to suggest?" Senator Cash said. 

Not only has there been a mass exodus of staff from NAAJA in the last 12 months, but Senator Nampijinpa Price believes the service is still failing the community. 

During Senate Estimates last week, Senator Nampijinpa Price discovered that in addition to the 75 unrepresented individuals, 21 of which were remanded in custody between October 2023 and February 2024, since February this year, an additional 16 individuals were unrepresented, six of whom were remanded in custody due to inadequate service delivery at NAAJA. 

“NAAJA is in a critical state, so the need for good management and leadership has never been more important. As the largest provider of Aboriginal legal services in The Territory, we are talking about an organisation that exists for the benefit of our most marginalised communities.” 

“The failings that we have seen at NAAJA are the result of poor management and leadership. That’s why ensuring we have the right people to steady this ship is absolutely vital.” 

Mr Woodbury was appointed to the position of chair in March 2024 and is responsible for managing over 20 million dollars a year received from the Federal government. 

“This is simply not the time or the place to be making exceptions for people who exhibit such poor behaviour in their personal lives.” 

“We cannot hope for things to get better at NAAJA when we allow people on the board who have shown such flagrant disregard for human life.” said Senator Nampijinpa Price.

Independents took cities by storm last election. This time, they’ve got regional Australia in their sights

In 2022, the national vote for independents or minor parties was the highest[1] in almost a century. A third o...

The Times Features

Why You Need an Expert Electrician for Your Business’s Electrical Upgrades and Repairs

When it comes to maintaining and upgrading your business’s electrical systems, it’s essential to call in a professional. Electrical work in any commercial setting requires the ex...

Why Is It Crucial to Have a Building Inspection Done Before Buying a New Home?

Purchasing a new property is a big financial decision that can impact your future for years. Whether you are a first-time buyer or an investor, good or bad, it is essential to en...

Online Application for Sick Leave Certificate: Understanding When and How to Secure One

A sick leave certificate is an official document issued by a healthcare professional to verify an individual's inability to attend work due to illness. It typically includes the ...

A No-Fuss Guide to an Effective Beauty Routine

Taking care of the skin and appearance need not be complicated; it need not even consume your hours of time. Smart and simple approaches can give one that glow and fresh look witho...

Safe & Effective Tattoo Removal in Auckland – What You Need to Know

If you're looking for tattoo removal in Auckland, modern laser technology offers the safest and most effective way to fade or completely remove unwanted ink. Whether it's an outd...

Fleece-Lined Tights vs. Regular Tights: What’s the Difference?

When temperatures drop, choosing the right pair of tights can make a significant difference in comfort, warmth, and durability. Whether you wear tights for fashion, work, or outdoo...

Times Magazine

The Ultimate Guide to Apple Watch Faces & Trending Wallpapers

In today’s digital world, personalization is everything. Your smartwatch isn’t just a timepiece—it’s an extension of your style. Thanks to innovative third-party developers, customizing your Apple Watch has reached new heights with stunning designs...

The Power of Digital Signage in Modern Marketing

In a fast-paced digital world, businesses must find innovative ways to capture consumer attention. Digital signage has emerged as a powerful solution, offering dynamic and engaging content that attracts and retains customers. From retail stores to ...

Why Cloud Computing Is the Future of IT Infrastructure for Enterprises

Globally, cloud computing is changing the way business organizations manage their IT infrastructure. It offers cheap, flexible and scalable solutions. Cloud technologies are applied in organizations to facilitate procedures and optimize operation...

First Nations Writers Festival

The First Nations Writers Festival (FNWF) is back for its highly anticipated 2025 edition, continuing its mission to celebrate the voices, cultures and traditions of First Nations communities through literature, art and storytelling. Set to take ...

Improving Website Performance with a Cloud VPS

Websites represent the new mantra of success. One slow website may make escape for visitors along with income too. Therefore it's an extra offer to businesses seeking better performance with more scalability and, thus represents an added attracti...

Why You Should Choose Digital Printing for Your Next Project

In the rapidly evolving world of print media, digital printing has emerged as a cornerstone technology that revolutionises how businesses and creative professionals produce printed materials. Offering unparalleled flexibility, speed, and quality, d...

LayBy Shopping