Protesters demand homeless shelter remains open

Key points

• About 300 protesters rallied in Darwin to oppose the Northern Territory government’s plan to close a homeless shelter and relocate residents 100km away to Batchelor. The shelter houses up to 400 mainly Aboriginal residents, including domestic violence survivors and those needing medical treatment.
• Federal Minister Malarndirri McCarthy urged the NT government to extend the centre’s operation for at least six months, citing the urgency for vulnerable families.
• The NT government plans to move residents to temporary accommodation in Batchelor, despite federal funding offers to keep the Darwin shelter open.