Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this story contains images of people who have died.
An independent investigation has been announced alongside new legislation in response to the death of five-year-old girl Kumanjayi Little Baby. The body of Kumanjayi Little Baby, a name used in line with cultural tradition after her death, was found five days after she was reported missing from a home at Old Timers town camp on the outskirts of Alice Springs on April 25.
The death sent shockwaves across Australia and has sparked action from the NT Government, which on Wednesday revealed amendments to its Care and Protection of Children Act and an investigation into the lead-up to her disappearance. Former NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb APM will co-lead the investigation alongside long-time NT public servant Greg Shanahan.
"Together they will provide a really cohesive team, with solid background to ensure that we can get to the heart of what has gone on in this particular situation," Child Protection Minister Robyn Cahill said. The investigation will centre around the conduct of the Department of Children and Families in relation to Kumanjayi Little Baby's case.
The NT Government has announced sweeping changes to child safety after the death of Kumanjayi Little Baby. Three child protection workers were stood down after it was revealed multiple welfare reports were raised about the girl. Hundreds paid tribute to her at a vigil.
Cahill also announced a sweeping reform to the territory's Care and Protection of Children Act aimed at "placing the best interests of every child first regardless of background." Among the proposed changes introduced to NT Parliament on Wednesday include: short-term protection orders lengthened to a maximum of two years, more strict measures for children "assessed at risk of being removed," and children being guaranteed independent legal representation.
"The ongoing cycle of harm, risk and uncertainty needs to be addressed and the only way to achieve that is to put the basic human rights of a child's safety before anything else," Cahill said. "Under these amendments there will be more consistent support and better outcomes for both children and their families. Every child matters regardless of where they come from, their race or religion. I am not prepared to turn a blind eye and abandon another generation of families and children."
