The Northern Territory's children's commissioner, Nicole Hucks, has resigned in protest against proposed changes to child protection laws that would remove the requirement to prioritise Indigenous placements for Aboriginal children.
Resignation over policy shift
Hucks announced her resignation on Friday, citing the NT government's decision to abandon the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle (ATSICPP) as a key factor. The principle, which gives preference to placing Indigenous children with extended family or within their community, has been a cornerstone of child welfare policy for decades.
In her resignation letter, Hucks stated that the changes would undermine the cultural safety and wellbeing of Aboriginal children. 'The removal of this principle is a retrograde step that will have lasting negative impacts on the most vulnerable children in our community,' she wrote.
Government defends changes
The NT government has defended the amendments, arguing that they are part of broader reforms to streamline the child protection system and reduce bureaucratic delays. A spokesperson for the Department of Territory Families, Housing and Communities said the changes would allow for more flexibility in placing children, while still considering cultural needs.
'We remain committed to ensuring that Aboriginal children are connected to their culture and community, but we must also prioritise their safety and wellbeing above all else,' the spokesperson said.
Reactions from advocates
Aboriginal child welfare advocates have condemned the move, with the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA) calling it a 'devastating blow' to Indigenous rights. NAAJA principal legal officer, David Woodroffe, said the principle was essential for preserving cultural identity and preventing the intergenerational trauma caused by past removal policies.
'This is a fundamental breach of the trust that Aboriginal communities have placed in the child protection system,' Woodroffe said. 'We urge the government to reconsider.'
Impact on children
According to the latest data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are overrepresented in out-of-home care, making up 38% of all children in care despite comprising only 5% of the child population. In the Northern Territory, the proportion is even higher, with Indigenous children accounting for more than 90% of those in out-of-home care.
Hucks' resignation highlights growing tensions between the NT government and child protection experts over the direction of reforms. The changes are expected to be debated in the NT parliament next month.
