THE Member for Barkly has called out Labor for its dereliction to support regional young people at risk after he highlighted the shocking cases of two Tennant Creek children who he says was failed by the NT Government.

Mr Edgington, also the Shadow Attorney-General, says the children had a history of neglect and abuse and were allowed to escalate into violent offenders despite 67 child welfare notifications.

He said despite repeated cries for help, Territory Families failed to intervene, leaving these children to slip through the cracks and wreak havoc on innocent victims.

“This shows the devastating consequences of the Lawler Labor Government’s negligence to adequately staff and support Territory Families, putting the safety and well-being of our communities at risk,” he said

Shadow Territory Families Minister Josh Burgoyne said what was concerning is the sheer number of reports that seem to have gone unanswered.

“Labor’s priorities are misplaced, and essential services must be resourced. The safety and security of our communities are being compromised,” Mr Burgoyne said.

“The government owes the public answers and action, not excuses and deflection.

“No one should have to live in fear or suffer at the hands of unchecked violence and neglect that could had been avoided if there had been earlier and ongoing interventions into these children’s lives.”

Mr Edgington said the lack of follow-up regarding the 67 reports raised alarm bells about the accountability and effectiveness of Territory Families.

“Where are the workers coming from, especially in Alice Springs and the Barkly, when critical cases like these are overlooked and neglected?” he asked.

“Even more worryingly, as I spoke about in Parliament recently, the Children’s Commissioner does not have the resources to be able to investigate, conduct inquiries and determine what improvements need to be made to the system in the Northern Territory.

“How can we protect our young people and make things better for young people with such mismanagement?

“Labor is clearly badly mishandling early intervention, resulting in the help and support young people and families need not being provided before there are problems with family or with the law.”

Mr Edgington said the CLP will uphold safety by reducing the age of criminal responsibility back from 12 to 10 and ensure young offenders and parents are accountable. 

“That means early intervention; that means transformative programs. Negligent parents will face accountability measures, including income management referrals to ensure school attendance and to support more secure home environments,” he said.

“A CLP-led Government will deliver a safe, strong Territory by taking back control of our streets, rebuilding the Territory’s reputation and getting our economy moving forwards.”