The Northern Territory government’s response to the tragic death of Kumanjayi Little Baby in Alice Springs is deeply alarming. The weight of evidence is unambiguous: supportive services for the health and wellbeing of mothers, carers and children are what best ensure the safety, healthy growth and socialisation of Aboriginal children. Yet the NT government has chosen an inquiry headed by a former police commissioner, with no Aboriginal involvement, and is simultaneously eradicating child protection officers.
Widespread criticism of the inquiry’s terms of reference has done nothing to change course.
