NT child protection workers stood down over handling of Kumanjayi Little Baby case

Three Northern Territory child protection workers have been stood down pending an investigation into the department’s handling of reports about a five-year-old Aboriginal girl whose alleged murder has prompted nationwide grief.

The girl, who is being referred to as Kumanjayi Little Baby in line with her family’s wishes and Indigenous custom, disappeared from Old Timers Camp on the outskirts of Alice Springs on 25 April. Her body was found in the dry bed of the Todd River five days later. Jefferson Lewis, 47, has been charged with her murder and two counts of sexual assault. Mr Lewis is in custody in Darwin, with his case listed for a second mention in the Alice Springs Local Court on 30 July.

NT Minister for Children and Families Robyn Cahill confirmed on Wednesday that three departmental staff had been stood down, and announced a broader investigation into the Department of Children and Families.

In an interview with NT broadcaster Mix 104.9, Ms Cahill said “three people have been stood down” as a result of the investigation so far, adding: “words can’t express just how angry I am.”

Reports indicate the girl was the subject of six child protection notifications in the six weeks before she went missing, including one made by police only days before her disappearance. Ms Cahill said the current child protection legislation in the Territory does not refer specifically to child safety, and called that omission illogical. She has called on the NT Children’s Commissioner to conduct an independent investigation.

Children’s Commissioner Shahleena Musk has declined the request, saying through a spokesperson that the matter is best left to the coroner and the police investigation, which her office considers most appropriately placed to examine systemic factors.

The Northern Territory Police Association said its members were utterly heartbroken by the death of the girl, who was non-verbal and used hand signals to communicate. Northern Territory Police Commissioner Martin Dole described it as a horrific event and said the focus remained on the family.

The case has reignited debate about the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the NT child protection system, and about a domestic and family violence response that critics say has long been under-resourced. Indigenous advocacy groups, including Children’s Ground, have called for sustained investment in community-controlled family support services rather than punitive interventions.

Vigils to remember the girl have been planned in Alice Springs and other capital cities. Support is available through 13YARN on 13 92 76 for any Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person needing to talk.