Senator Leads Emotional Tributes for Kumanjayi Little Baby

Topic: Federal Parliament

In short:

Northern Territory senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price cried during a speech about her niece, Kumanjayi Little Baby, who was murdered in Alice Springs.

Senator Nampijinpa Price said that not talking about problems in some Aboriginal communities is hurting children.

What's next?

NT Children's Commissioner Shahleena Musk wants to lead a board of inquiry into the girl's death.

This article has a picture of Kumanjayi Little Baby, used with her family's permission.

Senator Nampijinpa Price led emotional tributes to Kumanjayi Little Baby in federal parliament.

Indigenous Affairs Minister Malarndirri McCarthy started a condolence motion, acknowledging Kumanjayi's family.

Kumanjayi's body was found near Alice Springs five days after she went missing.

Jefferson Lewis is charged with murder and two other crimes.

Senator Nampijinpa Price blamed bad policies and political correctness for Kumanjayi's death.

She said she didn't want to give a speech about her niece's death.

Her niece's life was taken senselessly, and many people in her town were not surprised.

Senator Nampijinpa Price said that people are afraid to talk about problems in some communities.

The cost of silence is her niece's life.

Kumanjayi went missing from an Alice Springs town camp.

Senator Nampijinpa Price wants a serious inquiry into her niece's death.

Senator McCarthy was emotional when talking about Kumanjayi's love of puppies and the color pink.

She thanked her colleagues for their support and said they need to work together.

Victorian senator Lidia Thorpe said a national conversation is needed, led by Indigenous people.

She said they must choose healing over harm.

Commissioners want a board of inquiry.

NT Children's Commissioner Shahleena Musk wants to lead the inquiry.

The government has not announced the terms of reference for the review yet.

Commissioner Musk and National Commissioner Sue-Anne Hunter are ready to lead the inquiry.

A board of inquiry is like a royal commission.

Commissioner Musk wants to examine systems that affect vulnerable families.

She said the inquiry should look at housing, family violence, and policing.

This is not just about one case, but about a system in crisis.

Any review that is not comprehensive is a missed opportunity.

Shahleena Musk wants to head the inquiry.

The commissioners also want to stop changes to child protection laws.

The changes would affect the Aboriginal child placement principle.

Commissioner Hunter said the changes could hurt Indigenous children.

The NT government has been asked for comment.

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