Minister for Territory Families
Media Release
Protecting children – working with the community for success
15 February 2023
A Bill has been introduced into parliament to strengthen protections for vulnerable children and young people in the Northern Territory.
The Care and Protection of Children Amendment Bill 2023 was developed after intensive community consultation and has four key features:
amend the Care and Protection of Children Act 2007 principles as they relate to Aboriginal children, including strengthening the Aboriginal Child Placement Principleincrease recognition of children living with disability when these children come under the jurisdiction of the Actempower young parents (under 18 years) to be involved in child protection proceedings relating to their own children; andimprove the safety and wellbeing of children in the Northern Territory by providing a legislative framework for the Child Wellbeing and Safety Partnership Framework.
The Territory Labor Government recognises the importance of family, community and culture to Aboriginal children, and promoting the rights of children in care with disability.
The amendment Bill will strengthen these principles and recognise Article 7 of the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of Persons with a Disability.
Young parents (under 18 years) will also be given the right to provide instructions directly to a lawyer in child protection matters about their children, rather than through a litigation guardian.
The reforms reflect the Government’s ongoing commitment to the wellbeing of children in the Northern Territory and ensuring those children are empowered in matters that impact them.
Quotes attributable to Kate Worden, Minister for Territory Families:
“These amendments promote connection to community, country and culture, recognises the roles of persons with cultural authority in decisions relating to a child, and allows for greater cultural considerations when a child is placed with a person outside of the child’s community or kinship group.
“For the first time, a principle will be incorporated into the Care and Protection of Children Act that recognises the rights of children living with disability and recognises that they have the same rights as other children to express their wishes and views and have a right to be provided with disability and age appropriate assistance in realising these rights.”
“This government believes that every child matters and deserves an upbringing where they are safe and connected with their family, identity and culture.
Northern Territory Government
