SNAICC Submission to NT Board of Inquiry into sexual abuse of Aboriginal children – March 2007

SNAICC has completed a detailed submission for the Northern Territory (NT) Board of Inquiry into sexual abuse of Aboriginal children. The inquiry was established by the NT Government in 2006 following the ongoing community concerns in relation to incidences of child abuse within Aboriginal communities.

SNAICC has recommended a major overhaul of the child protection system within the Northern Territory. Our recommendations include the establishment of a statutory authority to oversee the transfer of child protection functions from the centralised government agency to a network of community based agencies.

SNAICC also recommends support for:

long term community education and awareness programs,
therapeutic healing programs for victims and perpetrator and
programs focused on rebuilding parenting capacity.

The Board of Inquiry is due to report to the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory by 30 April.

Download the SNAICC submission to the NT Inquiry (464 KB)

UPDATE – 20 June 2007

The Northern Territory Government's released the report from its Board of Inquiry into Protection of Aboriginal Children from Sexual Abuse on 15 June 2007. You can find it on their website. There is a Summary and a full Inquiry Report:

Ampe Akelyernemane Meke Mekarle – “Little Children are Sacred” Report of the Board of Inquiry into Protection of Aboriginal Children from Sexual Abuse (Please note, clicking on this link will take you away from the SNAICC website.)

SNAICC's response has included a Media Statement on 20 June 2007, released following statements by Federal Minster for Indigenous Affairs Mr Mal Brough. SNAICC calls for responses to child abuse in Indigenous communites that strenghten families, not disempower them.

SNAICC media statement 'Federal Response to Indigenous Child Abuse Must Strengthen Not Weaken Families' is available here.

ABC News Online has reported on various statements by Federal Minster for Indigenous Affairs Mr Mal Brough responding to the report and various proposals including here, and here. (Please note, clicking on these links will take you away from the SNAICC website.)

Updated 20 June 2007

First published 24 April 2007

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