Crisis of First Nations children in care will worsen under NT child protection reforms, advocates warn

"The Northern Territory government is removing a protection introduced to avoid a repeat of the Stolen Generation as part of sweeping reforms to the child protection system. The draft legislation was revealed alongside details of a major review into the Territory's child protection system, announced in the wake of the high-profile death of five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby in Alice Springs. It has been condemned by a coalition of 330 First Nations and justice organisations, who say the Territory government is promoting a narrative that is dangerous, ignorant, and wrong."

"The amendments erode the Aboriginal child placement principle, a national framework that has been enshrined in legislation since the 1980s in response to the forced removal of Indigenous children through the Stolen Generation. It will be replaced with a new universal principle. In a joint statement with 330 other organisati"

"Cahill told reporters on Wednesday that she had been working on changes to the Care and Protection of Children Act for a year. I have made it clear on multiple occasions that I will not be a minister who abandons yet another generation of territory kids, she said. The reality is that we have kids in really difficult situations and for a long time people have been paralysed by the fear that they'll be accused of doing that."

"A 47-year-old man who is not related to the child or connected to her care has been charged with murder and two other offences, but is yet to face court in person or enter a plea. The alleged killing of the Warlpiri child has prompted nationwide mourning and calls to review the conditions in Alice Springs town camps, the child protection system and custodial systems in the NT, even as her mother has repeatedly asked that her child's death not be used for political reasons."

The Northern Territory government is removing a protection designed to prevent a repeat of the Stolen Generation as part of broad child protection reforms. Draft legislation is released alongside a major review of the Territory’s child protection system following the death of five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby in Alice Springs. A coalition of 330 First Nations and justice organisations condemns the changes, saying the government promotes a dangerous and incorrect narrative. The review is led by former New South Wales police commissioner Karen Webb and NT public servant Greg Shanahan. A 47-year-old man charged with murder and other offences has not yet appeared in court. The amendments erode the Aboriginal child placement principle, replacing it with a new universal principle.

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