WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this story includes the name and image of an Indigenous person who has passed away.
Yuendumu Traditional Owner Warren Williams has urged calm and respect in the aftermath of the arrest linked to the death of a young girl, as Alice Springs and surrounding communities continue to process their grief in the aftermath of the tragedy.
The family have requested the she be referred to as Kumanjayi Little Baby.
You can read their full statement here.
Authorities have also moved to increase police presence and introduce stricter alcohol controls in the area over the weekend.
“The whole town came out yesterday and was very, you know, emotional about what happened. It’s something we’ve never seen before,” he said.
He warned that emotions remain fragile across the region.
“It’s going to be very hard because what escalates here could probably bring some of that to the community, so we’re well aware of what’s in front of us and we’re trying to make ways for how it’s going to pan out.”
Mr Williams also stressed that any violence would not be tolerated.
“My message is, people should be aware that things like this, which happened at the hospital last night, are not tolerated behaviour. It is very severe, so therefore police are here to protect people,” he said.
“My message to women as well is that when you’re in town or coming into town for shopping, be aware that you’ve got children around you and keep an eye out at all times.”
Authorities have confirmed a heightened police presence will remain in place across Alice Springs over the coming days, with additional officers deployed from Darwin and high-visibility patrols expected throughout the weekend.
Authorities have also banned takeaway alcohol in the town today, and tomorrow sales will be limited to between 11am and 2pm.
Northern Territory Police Commissioner Martin Dole said the violence that unfolded marked a serious departure from the unity shown earlier in the week, when the community had worked closely with authorities during the search.
“We’ve seen incredible support and cohesion across the Alice Springs community in the last five days,” he said.
“I’d like to think that what we saw last night is an aberration, not a continuation of future behaviours.”
Several emergency responders were injured during the unrest. A police officer required stitches for a head wound, a Northern Territory Fire and Rescue officer sustained a significant facial injury, and multiple ambulance officers were assaulted, suffering soft tissue injuries.
Commissioner Dole said there was “absolutely no excuse for violence against emergency services”, confirming further investigations are underway, with additional arrests expected.
Damage to police vehicles, ambulances and fire units has also affected local response capacity, at a time when resources have already been stretched by days of continuous operations.
“For those people involved, you will face the law, just as Jefferson Lewis is facing the law,” Commissioner Dole said, while again calling for calm across the community.
National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People Sue-Anne Hunter said the tragedy must prompt both unity and deeper scrutiny of the systems surrounding the case.
“This is an extremely sad day for our people,” she said.
“It is with heavy hearts that we acknowledge the devastating loss of Kumanjayi Little Baby. Our thoughts are with her family, her community, the wider Northern Territory public, and all those across the nation carrying grief at this time.
“As we call for justice, we also call for unity, and we remember the loss that sits at the centre of this.”
She said the case must also lead to broader accountability.
“We call for a wider investigation into the correctional systems that led to his release.”
Senator Thorpe backed that call, raising concerns about how the situation was able to occur.
“This was a known perpetrator. There are questions about how this could happen so soon after his release from custody,” she said.
“I support Commissioner Sue-Anne Hunter’s call for an investigation into NT Corrections, and we must examine the role of other agencies to understand how these systems have failed.”
She also reiterated the need to centre the community and the family in the days ahead.
“The hope we held for Kumanjayi Little Baby’s safe discovery and return must now be held for the futures of our children. This must compel us to be better and do better for them,” she said.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the tragedy had resonated across the country.
“It breaks your heart,” he said at a Sydney press conference.
“This is a community that is hurting. One of the things that [Indigenous affairs minister Malarndirri McCarthy] said to me, though, was that we must remember that literally hundreds and hundreds of people came together to search for this young girl before the tragic result where she was found.”
“We want to see the community come together, but we certainly understand people’s anger and frustration and that that was expressed.”
Indigenous Australians Minister Malarndirri McCarthy said the priority remains stability, support for grieving families, and ensuring the legal process continues.
“Well, clearly, that sort of behaviour is not what we want to see anywhere in this country, let alone here in Alice Springs,” she said.
“The work of the police throughout all of this has been tremendous. The work of the Aboriginal Police Liaison Officers, the Aboriginal organisations, and the broader business community of Alice Springs has been terrific.
“What happened last night is that police had to protect a man in custody who is now being investigated over what has happened to this beautiful little girl. And that process has to take its course.
“So, he's now been relocated to Darwin in order to keep calm here in the community.”
Senator McCarthy said attention must remain on the family.
“I think we're all asking that question. But right now, we have a mum who needs to bury her baby and we need to really surround her at this point in time and surround her family with our love,” she said.
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