More child protection and family support workers will be sent to the Northern Territory town of Tennant Creek, following the abuse of a young girl.
Five new permanent positions will be created in the local Territory Families office to foster collaboration between government agencies and the non-government sector, and boost case management capacities.
The appointments follow an internal review triggered by the rape of a two-year-old girl by a 24-year-old man, and subsequent community pleas for action on drugs, alcohol and violence in the town.
Territory Families Minister Dale Wakefield said the incident was a turning point for the government.
"After the incident we immediately put in place an action plan to support the community and our frontline staff," she said.
"We are now acting on recommendations from the internal review and putting in place longer-term measures."
A new director position has been created, as well as two child protection practitioner positions, one youth outreach re-engagement team leader and one administrative support officer.
The recruitment process is already underway, with positions advertised locally and nationally.
Ms Wakefield said more resources had been directed to Tennant Creek to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
"It is heartbreaking for any child anywhere to be harmed," she said.
"We are increasing local capacity in Tennant Creek to make the best possible decisions here on the ground."
