NT Chief Minister Eva Lawler says the alleged sexual assault of a 4-year-old child in Tennant Creek is abhorent and heartbreaking for the family.

She told Katie Woolf she was in the town at the time meeting with the troubled Council and other local groups, highlighting progress on new projects including the boarding and youth justice facilities.

Ms Lawler will today deliver her Year Ahead speech outlining key priorities for the NT which includes youth camps at Tennant Creek and expanding the co-responder model.

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