The Catholic Church has joined with Aboriginal leaders in opposing the Federal Government's draft Stronger Futures laws, reports SBS.
"The Yolngu Nations are clearly stating they have had enough of being pressured to agree to things that are negatively impacting their communities," Sydney Archdiocese Aboriginal Catholic Ministry spokesman Graeme Mundine said.
The laws, currently before the Senate, continue the former Howard government's Northern Territory intervention introduced in 2007 to address violence and alcohol abuse in Aboriginal communities.
The measures are widely opposed by NT Aboriginal communities, who say they were not properly consulted on the government's plans and that the laws are racist.
Mr Mundine said Yolngu people have consistently asked for partnership and self-determination, not intervention and discrimination.
"The government seems to have its head in the sand over this Stronger Futures legislation."
FULL STORY NT elders fight Stronger Futures law plans (SBS)