NT independent MP quits parliament, decrying 'slow genocide' in government policies

A Northern Territory lawmaker has walked away from

A Northern Territory lawmaker has walked away from the political arena, delivering a blistering critique of the ruling party's approach to Indigenous affairs. Yolŋu independent MP Yiŋiya Guyula resigned from the NT parliament, stating that the Country Liberal Party's legislative agenda is causing irreparable damage to Aboriginal communities.

Guyula, who represents the electorate of Nhulunbuy, now renamed Mulka, accused the CLP government of enacting laws that strip dignity and hope from Indigenous people. He described the policies as part of a broader pattern that is eroding cultural foundations, a process he likened to 'a slow genocide'. The MP, a Yolŋu man from the Djambarrpuyŋu clan in east Arnhem Land, made the announcement on Wednesday, citing a deep sense of duty to his community.

First elected in 2016 as an independent, Guyula has often been a vocal critic of both major parties, but his latest statement marks a definitive break with the current administration. He pointed to specific legislation passed in recent sittings that he says marginalizes Indigenous voices in decisions about land, language, and justice. The government, he argued, is prioritizing economic interests over the wellbeing of Traditional Owners.

The resignation has sent ripples through the Territory's

The resignation has sent ripples through the Territory's political landscape, with opposition figures and community leaders expressing solidarity with Guyula's stance. Many have called for a broader inquiry into the impacts of recent laws on remote communities, while others have urged the CLP to reconsider its approach. Guyula's departure leaves a vacancy in the seat, forcing a by-election that could test public sentiment on these issues.

In his final address, Guyula emphasized that his resignation was not an act of defeat but a call to action. He urged his constituents and fellow Territorians to reflect on the kind of society they want to build, one that respects and uplifts the oldest living culture in the world. His words echo a growing frustration among many Aboriginal leaders who feel that political processes are failing their communities.