MEDIA STATEMENT
22 JULY 2026
AMSANT response to passing of ‘Every Child Matters’ Bill in NT Parliament
Quotes attributable to AMSANT CEO Donna Ah Chee
“AMSANT stands alongside the Aboriginal community-controlled organisations, families and communities that came together this week to voice concerns about the changes to the Care and Protection of Children Act.
“We remain concerned these legislative changes risk weakening important protections for Aboriginal children without evidence they will improve outcomes. Safety and culture are not competing priorities. Every Aboriginal child deserves both.
“The existing legislation already makes the best interests and safety of the child the paramount consideration. The question is whether governments are properly resourcing prevention, family support, kinship care and culturally safe services.
“The interim review into the death of Kumanjayi Little Baby reinforces the need to strengthen the child protection system through workforce capability, earlier intervention and stronger systems, not simply changing legislation. That is where our collective focus must now be.”
AMSANT will continue to advocate for child protection reform that is evidence-based and developed in genuine partnership with Aboriginal communities.
ENDS
Media contact: Amy Price, 0437 027 156
You can download the PDF version of this media release here.