Prominent Indigenous politicians Marion Scrymgour (Labor’s MP for Lingiari) and Jacinta Nampijinpa Price (a Coalition Senator) say more needs to be done to protect children from abuse and neglect. Scrymgour wants the Territory Government to follow Queensland’s lead and establish a Family Responsibilities Commission (paywall) to help manage family incomes where children are being neglected. Meanwhile, Price has called for a federal takeover of child protection – she says there are cases where Indigenous children have been placed back into the care of abusers. Last week, Coalition leader Peter Dutton visited Alice Springs and spoke about ongoing crime issues. He and Price have also claimed there is “rampant” child abuse going on in the Territory. Scrymgour says Dutton’s comments are “irresponsible” and “publicity-seeking” – a comment backed by local Police Minister Kate Worden – but says it’s “now time” to do more to protect at-risk kids.