{
  "id": 8323606,
  "title": "Aboriginal leaders say 'I quit' leaving NT government in defence mode",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/aboriginal-leaders-say-i-quit-leaving-nt-government-in-defence-mode",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-18T22:24:12.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-19/nt-string-of-aboriginal-leaders-resign-in-clp-protest/107168360"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Aboriginal Housing boss Leeanne Caton has resigned from her position, leaving the Northern Territory government in a defensive posture. Caton, a Kalkadoon-Waanyi woman, cited the government's policies and laws as detrimental to Aboriginal people. She was particularly upset over the relocation of a homeless shelter in Darwin to Batchelor. This move, according to Caton, aims to push Aboriginal people out of Darwin.\n\nCaton's departure is part of a series of resignations by Aboriginal leaders and organizations in the Territory. These include the NT Children's Commissioner, Rob McPhee, Darwin Waterfront Corporation chairman Richard Fejo, and independent Arnhem Land parliamentarian Yiŋiya Guyula. All have expressed their dissent with the government's actions, citing ideological opposition and a lack of voice in decision-making.\n\nGuyula, in particular, criticized the government's handling of the homeless shelter relocation, describing it as a means to divide the community and harm its people. Former Labor politician Scott McConnell also expressed concern over the diminishing trust between Aboriginal groups and the government, urging for a unified future for the Territory.\n\nNT Acting Chief Minister Gerard Maley has defended the government's relationship with Aboriginal people, stating that they work with many Aboriginal organizations across the Territory. However, Maley disputed claims that Aboriginal people were left out of the conversation regarding the homeless shelter relocation, insisting that they have been working with various organizations on the matter. Despite the resignations and criticisms, the government maintains its focus on reducing crime and improving safety for the Territory's residents.",
  "summary": "A string of Aboriginal leaders have resigned from their positions in recent months in protest of Northern Territory government policies they claim are \"dividing\" Territorians.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}