Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the member for Lingiari for her question and for her leadership, along with the Minister for Indigenous Australians, on what is an extraordinarily difficult period. On behalf of the government and the parliament, I extend my deepest condolences to the family of Kumanjayi Little Baby. They are trying to bear what must be unbearable. Amid their devastation, they have asked for the space to allow sorry business to occur, so the memory of their beautiful child can be cherished and honoured. Kumanjayi Little Baby was just five years old, a bright young soul who loved the world in the joyful, curious, uncomplicated way that five-year-olds do. She loved puppies and Bluey and the colour pink. She loved going to kindy, and she loved her family because they so profoundly and deeply loved her.

Our hearts go out to the community in Alice Springs. Over days, hundreds of people, volunteers from all walks of life, joined law enforcement in their search for Kumanjayi Little Baby, in a spirit of unity. They now come together in their grief. This tragedy has shattered a family and shaken a community. We know that amidst the pain there is also anger, and that is understandable. The simple truth is that all governments of all persuasions over generations have not done enough to deal with what are generational challenges. Every Australian child has the right to grow up safe and loved, with the security of a roof over their head, with the opportunity of a great education, to be empowered to make the most of their potential and their life. Kumanjayi Little Baby deserved all of that.

For all those around the nation devastated by her loss, we look to the words of her mum, who has asked all Australians to 'look up to the night sky and find the brightest star where Kumanjayi Little Baby is now in heaven'. Together, let us reflect on that wish as we mourn the loss of a bright young life in an extraordinarily sad tragedy.

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