Quotes attributable to Lidia Thorpe, Gunnai, Gunditjmara and Djab Wurrung independent Victorian Senator:

My heart is with the family and community of Kumanjayi Little Baby. I send my condolences to all those who are hurting and mourning the loss of this beautiful child.

This is a time of deep grief for our people. It’s a time for sorry business and there must be calm. We must all show respect for the family and those grieving.

There must also be a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances of this crime, and the perpetrator must be held to account. Our families and communities must not be demonised or blamed for the violent actions of one individual. 

We are already seeing racist commentary being made about Aboriginal people, and this must stop. People should refrain from sharing footage of violence online, which is only inflaming tensions.

There are broader issues that cannot be ignored. Across the country, and particularly in the Northern Territory, our communities are facing extreme poverty, and a lack of basic services and support. Governments must do more to ensure communities have the resources and authority to determine their own solutions. Our families hold the answers and must be trusted and empowered to lead. What we do not need is a return to the interventionist approaches of the past.

We also know there are serious failures in how authorities respond to the risks our women and children face from domestic violence. This was a known perpetrator. There are questions about how this could happen so soon after his release from custody. I support Commissioner Sue-Anne Hunter’s call for an investigation into NT Corrections, and we must examine the role of other agencies to understand how these systems have failed.

At this time, NT Police must focus on de-escalation. They should be working to bring the temperature down, not inflame tensions. The President of the Northern Territory Police Association calling for further use of force is deeply concerning. What is needed now is calm.

Right now, there is a youth justice inquiry and a racism inquiry underway. The evidence being heard goes to the heart of these systemic issues. The death of this child is a devastating reminder of how real and urgent this crisis is.

These inquiries will deliver recommendations. The Albanese Government must work with First Peoples to implement them, not add these reports to the shelf unanswered.

Right now, people are grieving. People are hurting, people are angry and people want answers. That is understandable. But this must be a time to stand with the family, to respect their wishes, and to support the community through this loss.