Northern Territory child protection review finds extensive failings

An independent review has identified “extensive failings” within the Northern Territory’s child protection department following the alleged murder of five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby. The child’s body was discovered in April, five days after she was reportedly abducted from the Old Timers camp in Alice Springs. Jefferson Lewis, 47, has been charged with her murder and is awaiting trial.

The review, conducted by former NSW police commissioner Karen Webb and public servant Greg Shanahan, found that officers repeatedly failed to assess safety threats to the child and her family. Records indicated the department had received 14 notifications over six years regarding the child’s exposure to domestic and family violence, including physical violence and breaches of domestic violence orders.

Northern Territory Children and Families Minister Robyn Cahill described the mistakes as “unforgivable” and noted a disconnect between legislative requirements and existing policies. The government has accepted all 45 recommendations from the report to implement structural reforms. This includes auditing safety frameworks and ensuring all relevant personnel undergo national criminal history checks and working with children clearances.