Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has travelled to Alice Springs to meet the grieving family of five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby, saying the nation “stands with them” as they mourn the tragic loss of the young girl.
Speaking during a doorstop in Alice Springs on Wednesday, Albanese said the child “should have had her whole life ahead of her” and described her as a “wonderful young soul” who was deeply loved by her family and community.
The Prime Minister said he met with Kumanjayi Little Baby’s mother, grandfather and grandmother, who had asked for privacy and dignity while they carry out Sorry Business.
“They’re proud of their much loved daughter and granddaughter,” Albanese said.
“But also that sense of regret that she won’t get to be the young woman and woman that she should have become.”
Albanese visited a memorial site that had formed spontaneously in the community, where residents left flowers, messages and handmade knitted toys in tribute to the child. He also thanked police, emergency workers, volunteers and community organisations involved in the extensive search effort.
“The nation wraps our arms around them and will give them every support that they need.”
The Prime Minister also weighed in on the Northern Territory Government’s proposed child protection law changes following the tragedy, urging authorities to work respectfully with Aboriginal communities and ensure First Nations voices were included in consultations.
“Indigenous people need to be treated with respect at this time, particularly the family and local people,” Albanese said.
“Every child has the right to be safe and to enjoy a quality of life free from danger.”
The proposed reforms have sparked concern among Aboriginal groups in the Northern Territory, who say the legislation is being rushed through Parliament without adequate consultation.
Albanese stopped short of directly criticising the reforms but warned governments would achieve “better outcomes” through an inclusive approach.
“I would say to the Northern Territory Government that you’ll get better outcomes if you have an inclusive approach and you have buy-in to these issues.”
The Prime Minister also acknowledged ongoing issues in remote housing and services across Central Australia, saying “all governments need to do much better”.
He pointed to investment in remote housing and dialysis services on country as examples of practical support that could reduce pressure on town camps and improve living conditions.
Marion Scrymgour, who accompanied Albanese during the visit, said it was important to have national leaders present in Alice Springs during such a difficult time.
“It’s always great to have the Prime Minister here,” Scrymgour said.
“He has always taken an interest in Indigenous affairs in the Northern Territory, which is really, really important.”
The visit also coincided with growing concerns over a diphtheria outbreak in the Northern Territory, with Albanese urging Australians to ensure they were vaccinated. “This is a serious outbreak,” he said.
“People should be vaccinated.”
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