Attributable to the National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People, Sue-Anne Hunter.
I was informed yesterday of the resignation of Northern Territory Children's Commissioner Shahleena Musk.
Since stepping into this role, I have worked closely with Shahleena, specifically on the circumstances currently unfolding in the NT.
These circumstances are dire. There is no other way to put it.
I am saddened that Shahleena has resigned from a role she was incredibly passionate about due to the inability to have a proactive working relationship with the NT Government.
Our Commissioners, Advocates and Guardians across the country play a crucial role in listening to community on the ground and advocating for the First Nations voices they represent. From an NT perspective, Shahleena faced extremely challenging circumstances and held the NT Government to account.
I want to be clear. The fact that we have a commissioner for Aboriginal children stepping down from a role due to actions of the current NT Government shows first-hand the lack of care and accountability they have towards our people.
Our governments are failing us; this is evident now more than ever in the NT. Our children are the ones dealing with the consequences. We need systemic reform, and we need our governments to listen to us.
On Wednesday this week, the Legislative Scrutiny Committee tabled their final report on the inquiry into the Care and Protection of Children Legislation Amendment (Every Child Matters) Bill 2026 following the death of Kumanjayi Little Baby.
I am urgently calling on the Northern Territory Government to centre the rights of children when it comes to policies that impact their safety and to pause the Bill in its current form, as it risks repeating structural failures that led to the tragic loss of a child.
We urge our government to listen to the experts, institutions and organisations that understand what's best for our children. We know that Aboriginal-led early intervention, therapeutic support and cultural connection work. We have years of evidence that proves this. This is the way forward for our children.
I thank Shahleena directly for everything she did and her tireless commitment during her term for children and young people. I will work alongside those in the NT to find an urgent replacement.