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Grandparents of Hillier murder victims say internal government review into alleged neglect of Charlie would be useless

Grandparents of Amber Rose Rigney and Korey Lee Mitchell, Steven Egberts and Janet Wells urge strong child protection reforms. (ABC News: Claire Campbell)

Advocates say there is "no point" in conducting an internal review into the death of six-year-old girl, Charlie, who was known to multiple government agencies, claiming those departments are so "secretive" and "stubborn" they would not accept any wrongdoing.

WARNING: This story contains content that some readers may find upsetting. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this article contains the images and names of deceased persons.

Steven Egberts and Janet Wells were "heartbroken" when they heard about the death of young Charlie, who was a similar age to their grandchildren, Amber and Korey.

Their grandchildren, aged five and six, were callously murdered by their mother's partner at their Hillier home six years ago.

They were the subject of multiple child protection notifications, as was Charlie.

"I just cannot fathom where an internal review even comes into the equation," Mr Egberts told ABC News.

"Three times [the Child Protection Department] did an internal review into Amber and Korey, and the department concluded they did nothing at fault."

However, earlier this year, the coroner found their deaths were preventable and that the Child Protection Department should have acted sooner for Amber and Korey, who were living in a dysfunctional home.

Deputy state coroner Anthony Schapel also highlighted in his findings the "folly of governments" that had ignored coronial and other recommendations designed to improve the state's child protection system.

Korey Lee Mitchell and Amber Rose Rigney were murdered inside their Hillier home. (Supplied)

Mr Egberts – who was himself a ward of the state — said he was saddened but not shocked that there had been another death since.

"The department was absolutely belligerent [throughout] the whole inquest and still, to this day, claim that nothing was done wrong, that these things could not happen again. Yet here we are again," Mr Egberts said.

"We find it absolutely incredible that everyone in this world seems to be accountable for their mistakes except these government departments.

"It's only when it becomes impossible to hide from the public do we find out what's really going on with these departments."

Government to set up reference group

In a statement, Child Protection Minister Katrine Hildyard said she "valued" the input of people with lived experience of the system.

"Those interactions will see the state government establish a reference group that will involve some of these key advocates and others with experience of the system.

"Their voices will be crucial in informing the system reform ahead of us."

Another area likely to come under scrutiny in the investigation is the support provided to families after domestic violence.

Six-year-old Charlie died last week in what police say was the result of neglect. (Facebook)

Charlie's father is currently serving time in jail for an horrific act of domestic violence against her mother that was committed in front of the children.

It remains unclear what, if any, support Charlie and her siblings received.

Ms Wells said those children who witnessed such crimes needed support.

"The children, being the most vulnerable, should be helped first," she said.

"My mum was a domestic violence survivor. I was a child but I don't think the kids understand it and what's right and wrong."

Mapping of DV services needed

The Commissioner for Victims' Rights, Bronwyn Killmier, said access to counselling and support was available but "fractured" and it generally came down to the parent or grandparents to find the service for their children.

"Children who see domestic violence have a lot of trauma in later life and through their school years. It has a physical and emotional affect on them," she said.

"One of the problems is it's hard to find where to go to navigate the system.

South Australian Commissioner for Victims' Rights Bronwyn Killmier says domestic violence affects children physically and emotionally. (ABC News)

"We give information often to the parent or guardian, not the child. It's hard for a child to make a call.

"So it's about whether they actually action that, and — for a number of reasons — some people won't."

Ms Killmier said it was confusing for people to know where to go and she would like to see all the services mapped to see where the duplication and gaps were.

"That also can influence where the funding goes and coordinate the services in a better way," she said.

"I'm sure there's many children [who] don't get the help they need because people don't realise the effect on children or they don't think they need it or they don't know the services are available."

If you or anyone you know needs help you can call 1800 RESPECT.

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