The Northern Territory government has disbanded the Child Deaths Review and Prevention Committee, a statutory body responsible for reviewing all child deaths in the territory and developing prevention-focused policy. The decision by Attorney-General Marie-Clare Boothby, announced in the NT Parliament, transfers the committee’s functions to the NT Coroner’s Office, which investigates reportable child deaths.
Current and former committee members caution that the coroner’s responsibilities do not cover all cases previously examined by the committee, particularly non-reportable deaths such as those from illness or long-term health conditions. NT Children’s Commissioner Shahleena Musk, who sat on the committee, described the move as creating “serious gaps” in child death analysis and prevention efforts, especially in a jurisdiction with the highest child and infant mortality rates in Australia. The committee historically maintained a child deaths register, conducted research into causal factors, and advised on policy measures aimed at reducing deaths from disease, accidents, and other causes.
Critics argue its multidisciplinary expertise, including paediatric, research, education and family services perspectives, is not replicated by coronial processes, which focus on legal causes of death and may take years to conclude. The government states that all child deaths will continue to be reviewed.
