Child welfare authorities in the Northern Territory did not have systems and processes in place to adequately assess the safety of a young child allegedly sexually assaulted in Tennant Creek, a review has found.
The internal Territory Families investigation has made 25 findings in relation to the case along with 19 recommendations which the government referred to Children's Commissioner Colleen Gwynne who is conducting her own independent inquiry.
Territory Families Minister Dale Wakefield said the review identified areas for improvement across government agencies.
"The review identified Territory Families, and the former Department of Children and Families, did not have systems and processes to adequately assess safety and consider issues affecting the family as a whole," Ms Wakefield said in a statement on Friday.
"The findings also highlight inadequate collaboration and referral systems between Territory Families and other government and non-government agencies.
"There was a failure of shared accountability to ensure the safety of the child."
The government review into the case came after NT police made multiple notifications to authorities about separate incidents involving the family of the child.
Last month a 24-year-old man was also charged with sexual assault.
"The safety of children is the most important thing and on this occasion, we have failed a young child," Ms Wakefield said.
Since the incident, the government placed an additional four child protection officers and a senior Aboriginal community worker in Tennant Creek.
It also established a domestic violence hub in the town and is working closely with senior elders to improve child safety.
Ms Wakefield said the government would respond more fully to the internal review after receiving Commissioner Gwynne's report.
