The Northern Territory’s Children’s Commissioner has resigned in a bombshell announcement, citing concerns about the Territory Government’s approach to governance, transparency and child protection reform.
Shahleena Musk — a Larrakia woman and former crown prosecutor — has been outspoken in her criticism of multiple Northern Territory governments’ policies on child protection and youth incarceration, citing the impact policies have on some of the most vulnerable children in the country.
On Thursday afternoon, she said the decision to resign had not been made lightly. Instead, she argued that it reflected a growing concern about the “current environment for independent oversight, evidence-based policy development and transparent decision-making in the Northern Territory”.
“In particular, I have been unable to support the Northern Territory Government’s approach to substantial and wide-reaching changes to child protection laws,” she said.
“In my view, reforms of this significance must be grounded in evidence, informed by those with frontline experience, and developed through genuine consultation with experts, independent institutions and frontline organisations established to protect children and promote accountability.
“I have been concerned by the effective sidelining of myself as the Children’s Commissioner in the development of these reforms. In taking on this role I swore an oath to fulfil the mandate, including all functions and responsibilities set out in the Children’s Commissioner Act 2013.
Source: Breaking: NT Children’s Commissioner walks away, ci… | National Indigenous Times