URGENT UPDATE: Tensions escalate as Central Land Council chief executive Lesley Turner is suing Liberal Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price for defamation over claims regarding his ouster. In a remarkable turn of events, Turner asserts that Price’s public statements are “unfair and hurtful,” intensifying the legal battle.
The controversy stems from a July 2024 media release by Senator Price, which claimed there had been a no-confidence motion against Turner. This assertion was echoed by Matthew Palmer, chair of the Central Land Council, who discussed Turner’s removal in a meeting on July 18, 2024. However, council officials later refuted this claim, stating that no such motion had occurred.
During a recent Federal Court defamation trial, Turner expressed his emotional response to the allegations, describing feelings of shock, hurt, and anger. “I talked about it being promulgated more by Senator Price,” he stated, emphasizing her role in escalating the situation.
The Central Land Council represents approximately 24,000 Indigenous people in the southern region of the Northern Territory, including Alice Springs, where Senator Price is based. The stakes are high not only for Turner but for the community he serves, as the council’s integrity is under scrutiny.
The NT News initially reported that Turner had been dismissed but later retracted the article and issued an apology. Turner, having reached a settlement with the publication, is now solely focused on his case against Senator Price, who has opted out of a truth defense and is instead relying on a defense of qualified privilege.
In her affidavit, Senator Price cited findings from the Australian National Audit Office, highlighting alleged deficiencies in the council’s fraud protection measures, which she claims reflect poorly on Turner’s management. The trial continues, and as it unfolds, both Turner and Price have become central figures in a case that raises questions about leadership and accountability.
As developments arise, community members and stakeholders are urged to stay informed about the implications of this legal battle. The outcome could greatly influence the Central Land Council’s future and the representation of Indigenous interests in the region.
Follow this story for the latest updates as the trial progresses.
