Dear R
I was really hoping it wouldn’t come to this.
But I am being sued for defamation in the Federal Court, under the defamation laws of the Northern Territory.
On 21 July 2024, I issued a media release relating to the Central Land Council (CLC) and the governance of Land Councils generally.
I published the media release in good faith based on information provided to me by the then Chairman of the CLC.
Why? You know why.
I was elected to represent my constituents and to raise issues of concern that impact on their lives.
I take this responsibility very seriously and have always acted in good faith and with the paramount intention of speaking up for those who cannot.
You know me well enough now.
You know I will uphold the democratic principles including free speech that underpin our country.
The action has been brought under the Defamation Act of the Northern Territory which has not adopted the amendments accepted by the majority of the States in Australia. The amendments were an integral part of improving the balance of free speech and the right to a person’s reputation.
If it goes well for them – defamation cases can go either way, after all – they might even bankrupt me and cost me my seat in Parliament.
But I will not go down without a fight. I will never back down on my principles.
And I’m writing to you now to make sure you heard that from me first.
The trial is scheduled to start in October.
Please think of me, but know that I’ll be walking into that courtroom proudly with my head held high.
Why? Because I’m doing it for you.
And I know you’ll be right by my side.
Yours for REAL solutions,
Jacinta Nampijinpa Price
Senator for the Northern Territory
Shadow Minister for Defence Industry
Shadow Minister for Defence Personnel
About
Jacinta Nampijinpa Price is your Senator for the Northern Territory, and the former deputy mayor of Alice Springs.
Contact
Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price
Country Liberal Party (NT)
1.229 McMillans Road, Jingili
NT 0810
Authorised by Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, Country Liberal Party (NT)
1.229 McMillans Road, Jingili NT 0810.
