Media Release Friday 8 May 2026
The National Commission has called for:
- An immediate investment into safe, secure housing delivered through Aboriginal community-controlled housing organisations across the Country.
- Direct, long-term funding, before crisis and before removal, for Aboriginal community-controlled organisations to lead family support, healing programs and the complete care First Nations families need.
- The legislation of all five elements of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle in full, with enforceable active effort obligations and mandatory compliance across all states and territories.
- Acknowledging the 4-billion-dollar investment into housing, the now urgent need to address the overcrowded housing, insecure tenancy, family violence, homelessness and the shortage of safe accommodation for First Nations women and children fleeing harm.
Sue-Anne Hunter, National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People, is calling for this urgent action to take place before another child dies and said this is a national emergency requiring a national response.
“Appropriate housing isn’t just a support service that aids in child safety; it’s a human right,” said National Commissioner Hunter.
“The devastating reality is that both of these deaths could have been avoided. These First Nations women and children needed safety, they needed housing, and they needed support. These are our government's responsibilities to meet, and the systems have failed yet again”.
“How many more First Nations women and children need to bear the brunt of a government that doesn't listen? How many more deaths need to happen before our governments wake up to the reality that we live every day?”
Regarding Closing the Gap, Target 9 commits governments to safe and affordable housing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Regarding the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle, the Prevention element calls on governments to strengthen the wellbeing of children, families and communities, through early support, practical assistance, healing and culturally grounded services that keep children safe within family and culture.
“On the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle, we are clear: legislate all five elements in full, including enforceable active efforts obligations and mandatory compliance across every jurisdiction,” said National Commissioner Hunter.
In 1990, Australia ratified the rights of the child through the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). Just this week, the United Nations has expressed alarm over the continued systemic and structural racial discrimination against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people in Australia.
“The rights of the child are not being upheld. The United Nations can see this… Why can’t our governments?” said National Commissioner Hunter.
“The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child affirms every child’s right to family, culture, safety and an adequate standard of living. Safe housing sits at the centre of every one of these commitments.”
“Australia has completed inquiry after inquiry and delivered countless reports that collect dust in archive systems, yet still, our First Nations children and young people continue to die in preventable circumstances.”
“Families have shared their truths repeatedly through coronial inquests, royal commissions, strategies, action plans, and consultations. Children need delivery now - at pace, at scale and in genuine partnership with Aboriginal community-controlled organisations.”
“The rights of our children deserve to be more than a number in a report or a media headline. Their lives matter, and their voices demand to be listened to.”
“We stand in complete solidarity with families and communities impacted by these tragic deaths. While we cannot change the outcome of this tragic event, we must ensure that it doesn’t happen again.”
The National Commission acknowledges the newly announced child protection review in the Northern Territory, but that alone will not create structural change for our people.
Every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child is born with the right to safety. Governments already hold the commitments, evidence and recommendations. Children need action now, and the National Commission will continue to advocate and hold our governments accountable.
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