Indigenous MP resigns from Northern Territory parliament, accuses government of destroying communities

Yiŋiya Guyula, a Yolŋu man from the Djambarrpuyŋu clan in east Arnhem Land, had represented the seat of Nhulunbuy, now known as Mulka, in the Northern Territory parliament since being elected as an independent in 2016. On Wednesday he announced his resignation, saying he could no longer sit opposite a Finocchiaro-led government unwilling to listen to or partner with First Nations people.

Guyula said he had been sent by his people to work with government, but that officials had consistently responded that they knew best rather than engaging in genuine partnership. He said Aboriginal communities had become a political football, passed around without real intent to bring positive change.

Child protection laws draw criticism

He singled out new child protection legislation, which has been widely criticised by communities and peak Indigenous organisations and which prompted the resignation last month of the NT children's commissioner, Shahleena Musk. Guyula said the laws were changed without community consultation and that his appeal to withdraw the bill was ignored.

He said the CLP had introduced too many laws since taking office that dehumanise, oppress and destroy his people, contributing to a breakdown of culture he described as a slow genocide. Guyula added that the situation was serious because people were dying avoidable deaths — he buried a younger brother earlier this month, with his older brother's funeral taking place on Friday.

Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy described Guyula as a man of great strength and leadership with a deeply held sense of justice. Independent Victorian senator Lidia Thorpe expressed solidarity, saying Guyula's three-time election as an independent was historic and showed Aboriginal representatives could be accountable directly to their communities rather than a political party.

A byelection will be held for the seat of Mulka, though no date has yet been announced.