The AMA NT supports Coroner Armitage’s findings into domestic and family violence
The AMA NT notes comments made by the current Territory Government around the recent Coronial inquests and the Coroner's office.
The Chief Minister has made comments in the media regarding the "dragging on" of the Walker inquest. More recently, the Minister for Prevention of Domestic Violence has labelled the November 2024 inquest into multiple deaths from domestic and family violence as "uninspiring" and "failing dismally to hit the mark".
We strongly rebuke these comments.
They are a misrepresentation of the truth. The Coroner's office was not ultimately responsible for delays to the Walker inquest, which was mired by a number of appeals. The inquest into domestic and family violence is the most comprehensive and detailed analysis of the issue that we have in the NT. Coroner Armitage has laid bare the avoidable deaths of 72 women and has provided a series of detailed and sensible recommendations to the Government, which ultimately have been accepted in the majority by the same Government that has criticised them.
The Coroner holds an essential role in our society. Without a strong and independent Coroner, we cannot have a strong healthcare system and a strong community more broadly. The wide and powerful remit of the Coroner is our social insurance policy. When our systems fail in the most significant way (i.e. death), the Coroner is able to investigate without impunity and push back against senseless bureaucracy. Their role in ensuring truth sees the light of day is critical to our lifestyle and our community.
The Coroner must be free to carry out their duties free from the politics of the day. The judiciary must remain independent, ensuring it can work without interference from the executive branch of government.
AMA NT President, Dr John Zorbas states "rates of hospitalisation from domestic and family violence are 20 times higher in the NT than the rest of Australia, with almost two thirds of all assault being related to domestic and family violence. If this government wants to restore our lifestyle, they should support the Coroner in full and focus on action around domestic and family violence rather than playing politics with such a serious issue".
The AMA NT would like to applaud the work of Coroner Armitage on the November 2024 inquest into domestic and family violence. She has given a voice to those who are voiceless.
Media Contact: Fiona Crombie 0419 827 350 fcrombie@amant.com.au