NOTICE: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are warned that this article includes an image of a deceased individual.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has acknowledged the pressing need for government action to enhance the well-being of Indigenous communities, following his meeting with the relatives of Kumanjayi Little Baby.
Nearly three weeks have passed since the tragic discovery of the five-year-old’s body in Alice Springs, after she was reportedly taken from a local town camp.
After his discussion with the family this afternoon, Albanese reflected on the loss, describing the child as a “wonderful, young soul” who deserved a full life ahead.
“This young life ended much too soon under circumstances that are simply unbearable,” he remarked following his meeting with her mother and grandparents.
“The family is doing their best to navigate through this tragedy with dignity and respect, and it is something that will stay with them indefinitely.”
“They’re proud of their much-loved daughter and granddaughter, of who she was, but also that sense of regret that she won’t get to be the young woman and woman that she should have become.”
Albanese said his government will work with the Northern Territory government to tackle issues facing local communities, but admitted they all “need to do much better”.
“This is a time where what I want to see is different levels of government coming together with the community in the same way that the community has come together itself.”
The territory government has been criticised for its response to Kumanjayi Little Baby’s death, which included proposed child protection changes and an inquiry.
North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency, the North Australian Aboriginal Family Legal Services, Central Australian Aboriginal Family Legal Service and Legal Aid NT were some of the organisations that issued a joint statement raising concerns about the proposed response.
The group said it would increase government intervention but fail to address underlying issues.
Albanese called on the territory government to involve First Nations communities in its decision-making to create better outcomes.
“We’ll work constructively with the Northern Territory government, but they also need to work respectfully with the local community, with the family, and need to make sure they involve First Nations people as well in this local community to work through these issues in the most constructive way possible,” he said.
“I would say to the Northern Territory government that you’ll get better outcomes if you have an inclusive approach and you have buy-in to these issues, and that’s why that consultation and engagement is so important.”
Albanese also criticised the territory government over the state of town camps.
“Clearly, the Northern Territory government have had responsibilities since 2012 for the town camps,” he said.
“Clearly, there’s a need to do more to make sure that the living conditions are improved.”
The family of Kumanjayi Little Baby have called for Australians not to politicise her death as they conduct sorry business. 
NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.
