Dear Minister
I am pleased to provide the Northern Territory Emergency Response (NTER) Taskforce's Final Report to Government. This report documents our activities, NTER achievements during the last 12 months and the NTER Taskforce recommendations for future services for Indigenous people in the Northern Territory.
I would like to acknowledge the announcements in June 2007 and subsequent action taken by the then Prime Minister, the Honourable John Howard MP and the then Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, the Honourable Mal Brough MP; to address the issues raised in the Little Children are Sacred report.
I am pleased that the current Government is demonstrating its commitment to closing the gap of Indigenous disadvantage I thank you and Prime Minister Rudd for your continued support of the emergency response to tackle the problems of child abuse and improve the future prospects of Indigenous children and their families in the Northern Territory.
As Chair of the NTER Taskforce I am delighted to say that all Taskforce members have brought their individual skills, interests and knowledge to the NTER Taskforce. Drawing on their experience and expertise in particular areas ranging from health, government, the law, education and business, members have been able to contribute in unique ways to the oversight of the implementation of the emergency response.
I would like to highlight the contribution by the Operational Commander, Major General Dave Chalmers. The successful implementation of the NTER is largely due to the Major General's exceptional command and logistical expertise.
The NTER Taskforce welcomes the establishment of the Review Board to conduct an independent and transparent review of the first phase of the NTER. NTER Taskforce members look forward to providing input to the Review Board.
Yours sincerely
Dr Sue Gordon AM
Chair