Quentin Birt, who owns the largest privately-owned scraper fleet in Australia, contacted Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price to ask how he could “meaningfully” contribute to helping young Aboriginal Territorians.

The Birts have for some time been strong supporters of the charity School for Life, which supports children
in Uganda and has as its motto: Educating poverty out of existence.

A similar idea was discussed with Senator Price, but discounted when confronted with her brutal assessment that the red tape lying between a great idea and a great outcome would require a lot more than a few bucks.

When presented with a proposal from the Redtails Pinktails program, it was agreed in principle to donate $57 million, which had been previously assessed and rejected by government agencies.

It is probably the largest private philanthropic donation in the Territory’s history.

Mr Birt, believes Senator Price’s philosophy of self-help epitomises what is needed to make a difference, but more importantly she toes the line herself.

Redtails helps young people get back on track or stay on track through education and sport.

President Rob Clarke says: “It’s really that simple — it’s giving young people purpose.”

He says the “jackpot” donation would be used to continue the program’s work and help improve the lives of young Centralians.

Senator Price fought back tears when announcing the multi-million-dollar donation.

“I know the impact this will have for our community and the young people who have struggled for so long.”

“I have seen the work over the many years of the Redtails program – and it’s wonderful work.

Quentin and Kylie travelled to Alice Springs, met Rob Clarke, Ian McAdam and the mayor Matt Paterson and agreed to support the charity.

Their decision to make such a generous donation involves not just the desire to make a difference but also political reality.

“Taking time to follow Federal politics closely, I was appalled to note an immature stance on a wide range of topics, which makes me wonder if we are really in a democracy,” says Quentin.

“While our business model is humble, most similar issues dissolve when trust and truth are elevated to the same level as money and power.

“The earthmoving business is totally reliant on machines, which burn fossil fuel. Thus a promise to build any form of infrastructure without machines is not visionary but very labour intensive because it has to be done by hand, vis a vis the Pyramids or Stonehenge. This includes infrastructure for renewables.

“Confronted with the reality that the policy had substantial support, I had to consider the future of the business and its 400 employees. A net-zero policy is not necessarily incorrect, but it has to have an appropriate definition, so that it can be delivered.

“Obviously, you would need to match the policy stupidity to continue to invest in machines burning fossil fuel.

“Accordingly, in a desertion of proper gambling principles, I decided to bet each way with Senator Price, hoping for a miracle on the political front in the future, and placing the 57 hard-earned millions where it will do some good in the present.” TQ