The Northern Territory Government is proposing significant changes to child protection laws through the Care and Protection of Children Legislation Amendment (Every Child Matters) Bill 2026.
But the National Justice Project has raised serious concerns about the proposed laws in a submission to the Northern Territory Legislative Scrutiny Committee, warning they are being rushed through without enough consultation with First Nations people and the communities who will be most affected.
Some of the changes could make it harder for First Nations children to keep connections with their family, community and culture. We are also concerned that it could make it more difficult for children to be reunited with their parents after they have been removed from their families.
These concerns are particularly significant as according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 70 per cent of First Nations children in care in the Northern Territory are placed with non-Indigenous carers, in residential care or in other arrangements away from Aboriginal relatives or kin. Only 19 per cent are placed with Aboriginal relatives or kin.
Karina Hawtrey, Senior Solicitor at the National Justice Project, said: “We need child protection reforms that are informed by evidence, community expertise and the voices of the people most affected.
“Changes of this significance should not be rushed. The rights, wellbeing and cultural connections of children must remain at the centre of any reform process.”
The National Justice Project is also concerned about the short consultation period and has urged the Committee to ensure communities have a meaningful opportunity to have their say before major changes to the law are made.
