CASPA acknowledges the leadership of Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) and cultural authorities who have raised serious concerns about the proposed Care and Protection of Children Legislation Amendment (Every Child Matters) Bill 2026 in the Northern Territory.
As a non-Indigenous organisation, we recognise that it is not our place to lead this conversation. However, as a provider of care and support to children, young people and families, it is our responsibility to listen, stand alongside, and amplify the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
We stand in strong support of the positions articulated by Aboriginal Peak Organisations NT (APO NT), SNAICC – National Voice for our Children, and hundreds of ACCOs across the sector, who have called for these legislative changes not to proceed.
We also acknowledge and support our partner organisation, Mikan Aboriginal Corporation, whose work is grounded in Yolŋu cultural authority and whose submission in response to the Bill reflects deep cultural knowledge, lived experience and commitment to the wellbeing of children and families in Northeast Arnhem Land.
The concerns raised are significant and consistent:
🔸The erosion of the Aboriginal Child Placement Principle
🔸The reduction of Aboriginal participation in decision-making from a right to an opportunity
🔸Increased reliance on coercive and compliance-based intervention measures
🔸Lack of meaningful consultation with Aboriginal cultural authorities and communities
🔸Increased risk of disconnection from family, culture and Country and insufficient recognition of the long-term harm this can cause
There is clear, longstanding evidence that connection to culture and kin is central to the safety, wellbeing and long-term outcomes of Aboriginal children. While CASPA agrees with Mikan that reform of the Territory’s child protection system is needed, it must be grounded in:
🔸Genuine partnership with ACCOs
🔸Respect for cultural authority and self-determination
🔸Real investment in early intervention and family support
🔸Listening to the voices of children, families and communities
CASPA supports calls for the Northern Territory Government to pause these reforms and engage in meaningful, Aboriginal-led consultation and co-design. We acknowledge that the findings of the Legislative Scrutiny Committee, due in July, are forthcoming, and hope they reflect the concerns and expertise of the Aboriginal organisations and communities who have made submissions.
We remain committed to working alongside Aboriginal organisations like Mikan to support outcomes that are culturally safe, community-led and centred on the best interests of children.
