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National

NT Police Minister labels deaths near Alice Springs a 'horrific' domestic violence incident

Police say three people died in the incident at a homeland near Alice Springs. (ABC News: Samantha Jonscher)

The Northern Territory Police Minister has called for needs-based domestic violence funding following the deaths of three people, including an infant, at an outstation near Alice Springs on Sunday.

A firearm was located at a house on the property about 25 kilometres north of Alice Springs, where a 41-year-old man, a 30-year-old woman and an infant were found dead.

NT Police initially reported that the woman's age was 40, rather than 30. 

NT Police has indicated the incident was related to domestic violence. However, the force is yet to respond to questions regarding the registration status of the firearm, the relationship of the three people involved, if they were investigating the matter as a murder-suicide, or if anyone involved in the incident has a history of domestic violence.

On Tuesday evening, Police Minister Kate Worden, issued a statement urging changes to funding for domestic violence services.

"Once again our hearts are broken by horrific acts which keep happening to our women and kids. This must end," she said.

Ms Worden labelled what happened in Central Australia "a horrific act". (ABC News)

Community 'overwhelmed with sadness'

Ms Worden is also the Minister for the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence. 

"I will continue to work tirelessly with the sector to push the federal government for the funding and services we need to put a stop to these incidents," she said. 

"Our thoughts are with the family and the whole community whose hearts are hurting."

The Northern Territory has some of the highest rates of domestic and family violence in the country.

The Tangentyere Women's Family Safety Group, which is based in Central Australia, said it was "grieving the loss of another woman and child from our community because of family violence".

"Again our community is overwhelmed with sadness," a statement from the group said.

A crime scene was set up at a property 25 kilometres north of Alice Springs on Sunday. (ABC News: Samantha Jonscher)

"But our voices say enough, the violence must stop."

"We will keep working to address the causes of violence, to support healthy relationships, to bring about change.

"But others also have to step up to make change. This tragedy affects us all, it is a blow and a loss to our entire community in Central Australia."

Acting Commander Mark Grieve says police won't be releasing more information during its investigation. (ABC News: Samantha Jonscher)

Police preparing report for coroner

On Tuesday afternoon NT Police said it had "directed a large number of resources" into its investigations and that these were being conducted "in a culturally sensitive way".

"We are working closely with government and non-government agencies to ensure we prepare a complete and comprehensive report for the coroner," NT Police Acting Commander Mark Grieve said.

"Police will not be releasing any further details of the incident while investigations are ongoing, and we ask that the family's privacy be respected."

Alice Springs-based domestic violence researcher Chay Brown said clear communication from authorities following domestic violence incidents was critical.

"People are heartbroken and unfortunately this seems to be happening with increasing regularity in our community," she said.

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