This submission to the Legislative Scrutiny Committee by Families Australia responds to the Care and Protection of Children Legislation Amendment (Every Child Matters) Bill 2026 and raises significant issues regarding the proposed reforms and the limited timeframe provided for consultation and legislative scrutiny.

While Families Australia acknowledges the intent of the Bill is to improve child safety in the Northern Territory, the submission highlights that the Bill represents a substantial shift toward a more interventionist child protection approach without sufficient evidence, consultation or investment in prevention and early intervention supports. Families Australia also notes concerns regarding the compatibility of the Bill with Australia’s international human rights commitments, the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and Safe and Supported: Australia’s National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children 2021–2031.

The submission outlines the potential impacts of expanded statutory intervention powers, tighter reunification timeframes and the weakening of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle, including the implications for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and communities. It also highlights the importance of addressing underlying drivers of harm such as poverty, housing insecurity, family violence and limited access to culturally safe services and supports.

Families Australia calls for the consultation period to be extended and for the Northern Territory Government to work in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, communities and community-controlled organisations to develop amendments to the Bill that strengthen child safety while supporting children to remain safe, connected and thriving within their families and communities.