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Indigenous organisations across Australia are strongly opposing proposed changes to Northern Territory child protection laws, warning the reforms could lead to more Aboriginal children being removed from their families and communities.
The controversial changes would make it easier for Aboriginal children to be permanently placed with non-Indigenous carers and would weaken parts of the Aboriginal Child Placement Principle — a safeguard designed to prioritise placement with whānau, kin and community wherever possible.
Aboriginal Peak Organisations Northern Territory and legal advocates say the proposed reforms risk repeating the harms of the Stolen Generations by reducing protections that preserve cultural identity and connection to Country.
The Northern Territory Government says the reforms are intended to put child safety first following the alleged murder of five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby in Alice Springs, a case that has shocked Australia and intensified scrutiny of the Territory’s child protection system.
However, Indigenous leaders accuse the government of using the tragedy to justify rushed legislative changes without proper consultation with Aboriginal communities and organisations.
Child protection advocates say Aboriginal families are being unfairly blamed for systemic failures involving housing shortages, poverty, health inequities and under-resourced social services.
National children’s commissioners and Indigenous advocacy groups have also raised concerns that the proposed reforms are not supported by evidence and could worsen already high rates of Aboriginal children entering out-of-home care.
Data shows Aboriginal children are already vastly overrepresented in Australia’s child protection system, with many advocates warning the proposed laws move further away from Closing the Gap commitments and culturally safe care practices.
The legislation has now been referred to a parliamentary scrutiny committee for further review, while calls continue for broader consultation with Indigenous communities before any changes proceed.
