NT Independent

Three department staffers stood down over child protection failures before disappearance of Kumanjayi Little Baby

Three Department of Children and Families staffers have been stood down following a report in The Australian Tuesday night that revealed five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby had been the subject of six child protection reports since mid-March and was living in a “dangerous environment” with no action having been taken by the department.

AMA NT slams ‘smoke and mirrors’ Territory health budget

The latest health budget has been labelled “disappointing” by the Australian Medical Association NT, which warned headline funding increases mask cuts to primary care, remote care, mental health and disease prevention, adding the Finocchiaro CLP Government needs to recognise the health system is in crisis.

Territory barge company that services remote communities in administration as sister company shuts its doors

Darwin-based Shorebarge has been put into voluntary administration after a creditor filed a winding-up application in the Supreme Court of Victoria, according to Australian Securities and Investments Commission documents, while its sister company Shorelands announced it has ceased trading.

Budget 2026: Big spending continues as slightly improved debt still at record level

Treasurer Bill Yan delivered his second budget Tuesday morning that contains no “lollies or sweets”, with the Finocchiaro CLP Government overseeing a record net debt that will now top $11.35 billion this year and grow to $12.56 billion in 2026-27 – less than previously estimated due to better than expected revenue streams and less spending on infrastructure projects – while Mr Yan said the government is “living within our means” despite no substantive plans to reduce the debt.

Murray Valley encephalitis found in Darwin mosquitoes

NT Health is urging Greater Darwin residents to take precautionary measures following the detection of the rare but potentially life-threatening Murray Valley encephalitis virus in local mosquitoes.

Gaslit Festival to launch in Darwin opposing gas expansion

Darwin will host the inaugural Gaslit Festival, a three-day music and community event organised by the Environment Centre NT in collaboration with the Australian Conservation Foundation, 350 Australia and Frack Free NT.

Alleged armed taxi robbery attempt, city shop break-in under investigation

A man has been charged after allegedly using an edged weapon to try to steal a taxi driver’s car on Sunday morning, while police are also searching for people who allegedly looted a Darwin city shop after its glass front door was broken on Monday morning, NT Police said.

NT Criminal Court list – with charges – May 6

The 315 names facing criminal courts in the Northern Territory for Wednesday, May 6, 2026. This list includes all the charges.

Jefferson Lewis charged with murder of five-year-old girl; five more rioters arrested

NT Police have charged 47-year-old Jefferson Lewis with the murder of five-year-old Kumantjayi Little Baby following her abduction that led to a massive five-day search effort by hundreds in Alice Springs ending when her body was discovered Thursday morning.

Calls for calm after night of chaos in Alice Springs amid alleged child killer’s arrest

Community leaders are calling for calm in Alice Springs after a night of rioting outside the hospital where alleged child killer Jefferson Lewis was taken after his arrest, which saw an angry crowd throwing rocks and lighting a police car on fire, with Lewis later flown to Darwin to restore calm.