Former NSW police commissioner Karen Webb will co-lead an independent investigation into the conduct of the Northern Territory government in relation to the death of Kumanjayi Little Baby.

The five-year-old was allegedly kidnapped from an Alice Springs town camp and murdered last month. Jefferson Lewis, 47, has been charged with her murder.

Just days after her body, it was revealed the NT’s Department of Children and Families had received six child protection reports about the little girl in the weeks prior to her death.

The reports alleged Kumanjayi Little Baby was living in a dangerous environment, had been neglected and was exposed to domestic violence.

Ms Webb, who left the NSW Police force last year, will examine the management of Kumanjayi Little Baby’s case, including all relevant interactions with, and preceding events reported to, the Department.

Webb will be joined by long-time NT public servant Greg Shanahan.

Their investigation will also look at all reports, notifications, complaints, or other information provided to the Department, and the adequacy, timeliness and appropriateness of the Department’s response to those protection concerns.

It will also evaluate whether relevant legislative, policy and procedural requirements were complied with by the Department.

Former NSW police commissioner Karen Webb will co-lead an independent investigation into the conduct of the NT’s Department of Children and Families

Kumanjayi Little Baby was allegedly kidnapped and murdered in Alice Springs last month

Last week, the NT’s Minister for Child Protection, Robyn Cahill, confirmed that three child protection staff had been stood down.

Cahill said she had contacted the department on Monday, April 27 – the day after Kumanjayi Little Baby had been reported missing – to ask if any notifications had been received about her welfare and didn’t get a response until Friday. 

More to come.