Northern Territory Shadow Attorney-General John Elferink

A Committee Won’t Solve The Problem

Victor P Taffa

Shadow Attorney-General and Member for Port Darwin, John Elferink, said the Government must respond to the overwhelming community anger regarding defecation in public places.

“The reaction from the community since I raised this issue has been overwhelming and indicates the Government is not listening or responding to a matter of considerable concern.” Mr. Elferink said.

“In response to comments I made yesterday on radio, the Government said the issue was under review by the so-called Inter-Agency Task Co-ordination Group.”

“The community expects more than a bureaucratically-named committee review process. It expects the Government to listen to the concerns and to act.” Mr. Elferink said.

“The Country Liberals position is very clear defecation in public is not acceptable and it is the responsibility of Government to put an end to such actions.”

“The people responsible for this intrusive and disgusting practice are itinerants who, under Labor, have been given open slather in the Territory’s major towns and cities.” Mr. Elferink said.

“A Country Liberals Government would make it mandatory for habitual drunks to undergo rehabilitation in a prison farm where they will not only be compelled to dry out, but also learn basic numeracy, literacy and job skills.”

“The problem of public defecation is not limited to Darwin. I notice in today’s Centralian Advocate newspaper there are also complaints from the Alice Springs community, and I suspect the practice is widespread across the Territory.” Mr. Elferink said.

“The Government must listen, respond and not relegate the problem to a committee process.” Mr. Elferink said.