Review to be released tomorrow

An independent review into the Northern Territory Department of Children and Families' handling of Kumanjayi Little Baby's case will be tabled in parliament tomorrow.

Minister warns of systemic issues

Children and Families Minister Robyn Cahill told the ABC the review by former NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb and longtime NT public servant Greg Shanahan clearly articulates structural deficiencies in the department.

Not an isolated incident

Cahill said Kumanjayi Little Baby's case was not isolated and there is a systemic issue in how child protection legislation has been applied by previous governments.

“[Kumanjayi Little Baby] is not an isolated incident and there very much is a systemic issue in the way in which child protection legislation has been applied.”

The case that prompted the review

In late April, the body of five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby was found on the outskirts of the Old Timers town camp in Alice Springs. Jefferson Lewis, 47, was charged with her murder in May.

Interim report found failures

An interim review tabled in July found the department had failed to respond to domestic and family violence in a timely manner.

Forty recommendations expected

Cahill said the full review's forty recommendations would be extensive, practical and very clear, focusing on providing frameworks and clarity to workers in child protection.

Former commissioner raised concerns

Former NT Children's Commissioner Shahleena Musk resigned in July citing her effective sidelining by the NT government after she offered to lead a board of inquiry into the child protection system.