Kumanjayi Little Baby

Price moved an amendment to the motion, arguing that the original text failed to address the reality of dysfunction, violence, and neglect in remote communities. Price criticised the silence surrounding these issues, attributing it to fear of being labelled racist or offending cultural sensitivities. Price called for an inquiry into child protection failures and demanded accountability for the spending of billions of dollars on Indigenous programs without measurable outcomes. Price asserted that children's safety must take precedence over ideology and political correctness, urging the parliament to confront the truth rather than offer empty condolences.

Waters offered condolences and praised the community-led vigils and the support shown by Australians. Waters emphasised that the motion was a condolence measure and that calls for action would follow through proper channels, including a coronial inquest and a Northern Territory government inquiry. Waters argued that responses must be evidence-based, holistic, and led by Aboriginal women and communities, rather than top-down political interventions. Waters highlighted the national plan 'Our Ways--Strong Ways--Our Voices' as a framework for addressing systemic factors through community-controlled responses.

Hanson expressed sympathy for the family but criticised the conditions in remote communities as a national disgrace. Hanson argued that the tragedy was preventable and highlighted the failure of Indigenous corporations to deliver results despite receiving significant funding. Hanson called for accountability for corruption and nepotism within these organisations and urged the government to intervene to remove children from dangerous environments. Hanson rejected the notion that speaking about these issues was racist, insisting that all Australian children deserve equal safety and care.

Stewart spoke on behalf of the Labor Party, offering condolences and acknowledging the deep grief felt by the community. Stewart noted that the family had requested that the moment not be politicised and called for calm and respect during the period of sorry business. Stewart emphasised the spiritual significance of the loss and the importance of holding space for the community's grief. Stewart urged the parliament to remember the child's life and to ensure that the tragedy did not lead to further harm or division.

Thorpe honoured the child and the family's request for respect and space to mourn. Thorpe warned against reforms that could further harm Indigenous families, such as those based on assimilationist approaches or the removal of children from their culture and kin. Thorpe highlighted the systemic issues of poverty and lack of services but argued that solutions must be led by Indigenous communities and uphold cultural identity. Thorpe emphasised the strength of kinship networks and the need to choose healing over harm.

Cox offered deep condolences and acknowledged the outpouring of support from volunteers and the community during the search. Cox stressed that the current moment was not for political point-scoring or division, but for respecting the family's grief. Cox highlighted the universal nature of the loss and the importance of allowing the community to mourn in a culturally safe manner. Cox urged the parliament to sit with the truth of the tragedy and to honour the child's memory with responsibility and care.

O'Sullivan expressed condolences and supported the call for accountability in child protection systems. O'Sullivan argued that while cultural connection is important, the safety of children must always be the paramount concern. O'Sullivan called for an honest examination of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle to ensure it does not compromise child safety. O'Sullivan emphasised that systems must respond with urgency to warning signs and that accountability is necessary to prevent future tragedies.

Liddle shared her personal connection to Alice Springs and the town camps, highlighting the poor living conditions and lack of basic services. Liddle argued that building more houses was not the solution if dysfunction and violence continued unchecked. Liddle called for courageous intervention and accountability, rejecting the idea that addressing these issues was political. Liddle emphasised the need for systemic change to ensure that children and adults in remote communities have the same opportunities and safety as other Australians.

Shoebridge associated himself with the words of Senator Waters and emphasised the importance of respecting the family's request for sorry business. Shoebridge highlighted the community's collective grief and the strength shown during the search for the child. Shoebridge rejected the notion of 'rivers of gold' flowing to First Nations communities, pointing to the reality of endemic poverty and stolen wealth. Shoebridge supported the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle and urged the parliament to lean into Indigenous family structures for solutions.