Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, Katie Kiss, and National Children's Commissioner, Deb Tsorbaris today expressed their profound sorrow and extended their deepest condolences to the family of 5‑year‑old Kumanjayi Little Baby.
Kumanjayi Little Baby – as her family have asked her to be referred to in accordance with Warlpiri custom – was found deceased following an extensive search led by Northern Territory Police alongside community members after she went missing on Saturday night near Alice Springs.
'This is a heartbreaking and devastating tragedy,' Commissioner Kiss said.
'My thoughts and my deepest sympathies are with her family and loved ones as they face an unimaginable loss. No words can ease their grief, but they deserve our compassion, our care and our unwavering support at this time.
Commissioner Tsorbaris, who is currently in Alice Springs with state and territory counterparts and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Commissioner, said the sense of loss and mourning in the community was overwhelming.
Commissioner Tsorbaris said the tragedy should be met with unity and care for one another.
'I stand in solidarity with Kumanjayi Little Baby's family and with the community as they grieve this profound and heartbreaking loss. In the days ahead, as conversations continue and questions are asked, I urge everyone to hold in mind the child at the centre of this tragedy - a little girl who was deeply loved and who deserved to be safe. We honour her by responding with compassion, dignity and care.'
Commissioner Kiss acknowledged the massive, coordinated search effort, led by police and supported by Aboriginal Community Organisations and community members.
'I commend Northern Territory Police and Emergency Services for the urgency and determination shown in the search for Kumanjayi Little Baby. The response demonstrated what is possible when authorities and community come together.'
She urged the public to continue assisting police and to respect any legal processes that may follow, after the arrest of a suspect.
'I understand the grief people are feeling but I support the calls for calm and encourage people to show kindness and compassion for each other. I appeal to anyone with information to come forward and I also ask the community to allow justice to take its course.
'I cannot recall a time when the disappearance of an Aboriginal child has received this level of urgent attention from law enforcement.
Commissioner Kiss said the case had also highlighted long‑standing inequities. 'Tragically, there are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people currently missing who have not been met with the same response.
'My greatest hope is that Kumanjayi Little Baby's short life becomes a turning point - that in this country, the life of an Indigenous child is valued, protected and pursued with the same urgency as any other child.'
