Inquiry into the Care and Protection of Children Legislation Amendment (Every Child Matters) Bill 2026
22 May 2026
The ALA has provided a submission to the Northern Territory Legislative Scrutiny Committee’s (Committee) inquiry into the Care and Protection of Children Legislation Amendment (Every Child Matters) Bill 2026 (Bill).
The ALA supports the Bill’s focus on considering the best interests of the child and, in principle, provisions recognising children’s participation in decisions affecting their welfare. However, concerns are raised relating to the proposed removal of Aboriginal child placement protections from the Child Wellbeing and Safety Framework and the increased emphasis on permanency of placements.
The ALA also endorsed the concerns raised in the joint statement issued by the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA), specifically in regards to the proposed removal of Aboriginal child placement protections from the Child Wellbeing and Safety Framework and the increased emphasis on permanent placements.
The Committee has published its report for their consultation and recommended that the Bill be passed with minor amendments.
ALA submission
Report