Urgent: Children Transferred from Alice Springs to Darwin Without Notice
UPDATE: Children in youth detention are being transferred over 1,500 kilometers from Alice Springs to Darwin without the knowledge of their families, raising serious concerns about legal protocols and child welfare. This alarming situation has just come to light as the Northern Territory Government confirmed there is no legal requirement to notify parents or guardians during such transfers.
The issue became urgent during parliamentary sessions last week, where Independent MLA Justine Davis confronted Corrections Minister Gerard Maley with reports of children disappearing off the streets of Central Australia. “Can you confirm whether this policy has changed?” Davis pressed, highlighting the troubling absence of parental notification. “Why is it acceptable to relocate a child without informing their families?”
In response, Maley acknowledged the transfers are occurring but did not clarify any changes to notification policies. He suggested that families should be aware of their children’s legal proceedings, stating, “How would you not know that your child has been to court?” He emphasized personal responsibility and community involvement, shifting the focus away from government accountability.
The gravity of the situation has drawn criticism from various quarters. Shadow Attorney-General Chansey Paech expressed horror at reports of children being removed from their communities without any warning. Paech stated, “I have heard firsthand accounts from Aboriginal families of children being ripped from the streets and shipped off to Darwin without so much as a word to the families.” He condemned these actions as a “direct violation of these families’ rights.”
The Department of Corrections has stated that while it is their policy to consult with relevant adults before transferring children, it is not legally mandated. “There is no legal requirement for the department to contact parents or family prior to a transfer,” the department clarified. Nonetheless, they affirmed that efforts are made to inform caregivers whenever possible.
A recent 2024 report from the NT Children’s Commissioner revealed that children under 14 in youth custody frequently interact with child protection services. Disturbingly, 94% of these children have been exposed to domestic violence, and 77% face mental health challenges or cognitive disabilities.
Paech, representing an electorate that is over 75% Indigenous, labeled the transfers without family knowledge as “inexcusable and indefensible,” likening them to “theft of children from their families.” He emphasized that no family should be left in the dark about their child’s whereabouts or treatment within the justice system, calling for a system built on transparency and accountability.
The situation is developing rapidly, with community groups and legal advocates rallying for changes to protect children’s rights. As the NT Government faces increasing scrutiny, the urgent question remains: how will they ensure the safety and rights of vulnerable children in the youth justice system?
As this story unfolds, the implications for families and communities across the Northern Territory are profound. The lack of communication and transparency in these transfers not only raises ethical concerns but also highlights pressing issues around child welfare and community engagement.
Stay tuned for more updates on this critical situation as it develops. The safety and rights of children must remain at the forefront of the conversation.
