A public inquest into the death of a young child will be held in Alice Springs next week, commencing Monday 14 October 2024.
The child passed away after an incident involving a septic tank, located at a public housing property in Mount Liebig.
The Department of Logistics and Infrastructure (DLI) is fully cooperating with the Coroner and will act on all findings and recommendations handed down from the inquest.
DLI Chief Executive Officer, Louise McCormick offers her heartfelt condolences and sincere apologies to the family and friends impacted by this heartbreaking incident.
"I am sincerely sorry that this tragic loss of life has occurred, not only to the immediate family of Kumanjayi, but also to his extended family and the entire Mount Liebig community," said Ms McCormick.
DLI acts as an agent to manage the maintenance of public housing across the Northern Territory and has a responsibility to provide repairs in a timely manner, in line with legislative requirements, to protect the safety of all persons.
Records indicate that the septic system was not operating as intended and had been the subject of repeated unsuccessful maintenance, rather than being upgraded.
Ms McCormick also relayed profound regret for the failures of the Department in this matter.
"It is deeply regrettable that the Department failed to provide appropriate maintenance to this property."
"Since this devastating incident the Department has taken significant steps implementing further measures, to try to prevent any similar tragedy in the future," said Ms McCormick.
Measures taken include a non-invasive external audit of septic systems installed on NTG assets; systems reviews and development; modifications to inspection tools; a review on the delivery of repairs and maintenance; and a planned program for the replacement or upgrades of septic tanks at remote housing assets, where needed.
