Push to keep territory out of royal commission: 'They can't be allowed to sit in judgment on themselves'

By Damien Murphy
Updated July 28 2016 - 5:24am, first published 3:47am
John Lawrence says when people think of the Northern Territory, they think of crocodiles, cyclones - and jailing Aboriginal men, women and children. Photo: Nicholas Gouldhurst
John Lawrence says when people think of the Northern Territory, they think of crocodiles, cyclones - and jailing Aboriginal men, women and children. Photo: Nicholas Gouldhurst
Northern Territory Chief Minister Adam Giles. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Northern Territory Chief Minister Adam Giles. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen

Lawyers who have battled for Aboriginal rights for decades fear the Northern Territory government is manoeuvring to play a central role in the royal commission into youth detention.