Anthony Albanese questions need for town camp inquiry after Alice Springs tragedy
Anthony Albanese says governments already know how to improve conditions in Northern Territory town camps as the death of five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby sparks national grief and debate.
The girl’s death in Alice Springs has sparked renewed scrutiny over overcrowding, housing shortages and long-standing social challenges in town camps where many Aboriginal families live while accessing services in regional centres.
Speaking to the ABC, the Prime Minister was asked whether the tragedy should trigger an official inquiry into the funding and living standards of town camps.
Instead, he pointed to what he described as record investment in housing and basic services.
“I think we know what the solutions are and that’s why we’re contributing around $4 billion towards housing in remote areas,” Mr Albanese said.
The teenager was last seen at the Old Timers city camp before her body was found near the Todd River, sparking a major police investigation.
Jefferson Lewis, 47, was charged with murder and remained in custody and did not enter a plea.
Northern Territory Police Commissioner Martin Dole described the incident as “extremely distressing” and urged the community to respect the judicial process as the matter progresses through the courts.
The tragedy also triggered unrest; Hundreds of people rioted outside Alice Springs Hospital following Mr Lewis’ arrest.
Police said several people were detained and more arrests were expected.
As calls from politicians grow for an investigation into town camps, Mr Albanese said he believed the government remained key to improving housing conditions.
“People are in urban camps because they don’t have access to adequate housing in remote communities and this will make a huge difference. This is the biggest housing investment ever in the Northern Territory,” he said.
Asked whether a direct investigation was needed, Mr Albanese acknowledged the magnitude of the problem but argued governments already understood the problems.
“People are still grieving in this community, but we know the conditions are not right,” he said.
“We know that governments of all stripes must do much, much better.
“We know we need all measures to make a difference, whether it’s housing, whether it’s the security of having a roof over your head, whether it’s the way we eliminate a work schedule that was actually pretty pointless and now we have real wages with real education for Indigenous people, whether it’s the increased healthcare we’re putting in place, that’s so important.”
There are 16 town camps around Alice Springs, housing more than 1000 permanent residents in approximately 256 households.
Populations often fluctuate as families travel from remote communities to access healthcare, education and other basic services.
The camps are managed by the Tangentyere Council Aboriginal Corporation, which provides social and infrastructure services.
Many camps were established because Aboriginal people were historically excluded from living within town boundaries and denied equal access to employment and social life.
Today, town camps remain culturally important and are home to multi-generational families and diverse language groups. But housing conditions vary and overcrowding has long been identified as a major problem.
A previous government review found homes often lack climate-appropriate design, while infrastructure problems such as broken utilities and litter are common in some communities.
Temporary visitors traveling for services can also put additional pressure on housing.
The Northern Territory government has invested more than $116 million in camps in the town of Alice Springs in recent years, but advocates argue demand continues to outstrip supply.
