Northern Territory Labor has officially launched its election campaign, pledging to appoint a minister for children following the revelations of abuse in Darwin's Don Dale youth justice system.
On Sunday, about 200 party members gathered to hear Opposition Leader Michael Gunner announce Labor's key policy platforms, including how it will boost the flagging economy, how it will restore trust in government, and a shift towards renewable energy.
Deputy leader Lynne Walker will be appointed children minister in an elected Labor government, he said.
"Investing in our kids is not only the right thing to do, it is the smart thing to do; it prevents future social problems," Mr Gunner said.
"This investment is the best way to prevent the terrible things we saw on Four Corners, and we must work to ensure we never see those things occur again."
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He also acknowledged that Labor lost touch with indigenous Australians in its final term to 2012, which cost it government.
"Previously, indigenous Territorians stood with Labor for years; they stood with us, they voted for us, and finally they lost patience with us because we had become complacent," Mr Gunner said.
"Labor has heard that message and learned the lessons."
He promised a $1.1 billion 10-year investment in remote housing, pledged to create more ranger programs, and said Labor would provide "the first ever permanent funding to support the strong coalition of the Aboriginal Peak Organisations of the NT so we can better work together in a respectful way".
He insisted Labor was the only viable alternative to the Country Liberals, and said "no group of independents or other parties, well-meaning or otherwise, can govern for all Territorians like Labor can".
The NT heads to the polls on August 27.
