A 46-year-old woman allegedly murdered in an alleged domestic violence incident in Alice Springs last week has been identified as an anti-domestic violence campaigner.
WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this article contains an image of a person who has died.
In a statement, the Tangentyere Women’s Family Safety Group confirmed the alleged victim was R Rubuntja — a name being used because of cultural protocols — a founding member of the anti-domestic violence group.
Through her work with the group, Ms Rubuntja campaigned to reduce family and domestic violence.
She recently travelled to Parliament House in Canberra to speak with federal politicians about the ongoing prevalence of domestic violence in Central Australia.
“We will be inspired by our sister’s legacy. We will not let her be forgotten and then we will ask you to stand with us against family and domestic violence.”
Northern Territory police allege 49-year-old Malcolm Abbott, who they say was known to Ms Rubuntja, drove a vehicle at the 46-year-old in what they have called a domestic violence incident outside the Alice Springs Hospital last Thursday.
She suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene.
Mr Abbott has since been charged with one count of murder and three driving offences.
He appeared via videolink in the Alice Springs Local Court on Monday, where he did not apply for bail.
Police call for witnesses
On Tuesday afternoon, Northern Territory police said they wanted to speak with two people who may have witnessed the incident.
Detective Sergeant Glenn Bolger urged the two people, who are seen in CCTV footage outside the hospital, to come forward.
“These people are in no way considered suspects in the case,” he said.
“We would appreciate their cooperation in our investigation.
“They were in the car park at 9:23pm, just prior to the incident.
“This is an extremely serious incident. It’s resulted in the death of a woman, so we take it very seriously.”
Mr Abbott’s case has been adjourned for 12 weeks.