The Australian Christian Lobby has today supported in principle a reform of the NT’s child protection system, labelling the current system ‘broken by ideology’.
Minister Robyn Cahill, the NT Child Protection Minister has vowed to reform the system following the death of Kumanjayi Little Baby and is launching an independent investigation. Three staff from the child protection department have been stood down. There are also reports of legislation being tabled soon reforming the child protection system.
Nicholas Lay, NT Director of the Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) said, “It is no secret that child protection in the Northern Territory has been broken for a long time. I know of multiple cases with numerous notifications. It breaks your heart when services continually put in mandatory reports for serious observations, yet nothing ever seems to result from it.”
“I know multiple people who have worked in NT child protection, they have a heart to protect children. However, they can often feel powerless in the current system. There is an overemphasis on closing x amount of cases per day, rather than protecting children.”
“There is a crippling fear of the Stolen Generation that is preventing children from receiving the protection they deserve.”
“We need to have the same standards for aboriginal and non-aboriginal children.”
