The body of the child, referred to as Kumanjayi Little Baby in line with Indigenous cultural practices, was discovered on 30 April, five days after she was reported missing from a town camp near Alice Springs.
Northern Territory Child Protection Minister Robyn Cahill said the workers were removed from duty after she ordered an investigation into the events leading up to the girl’s disappearance and death. She stated that initial briefings indicated there were no immediate concerns about the child’s situation, but she insisted on a deeper review.
“I asked authorities to identify if there were any areas of concern,” Cahill told media, adding that further inquiries revealed issues with how procedures had been carried out.
Police have charged Jefferson Lewis, 47, with murder. The case has triggered unrest in Alice Springs, where riots broke out following his arrest.
According to reports by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, multiple warnings had been raised about the child’s welfare in the weeks prior to her death. At least six reports were allegedly made by domestic violence shelter workers and a family member.
The girl was last seen on the night of Anzac Day, when she was put to bed at the Old Timers Camp, a site designated for Aboriginal people visiting the town. She was reported missing several hours later, prompting a large-scale search operation.
Her body was found several kilometres from the camp. Shortly afterward, Lewis—who had reportedly been assaulted by members of the community—was taken into custody and transported to hospital for treatment before being moved to Darwin for his safety.
Violence erupted outside the hospital, leading to multiple arrests.
Community elder Robin Granites has urged calm, calling for focus on “sorry business,” a traditional period of mourning among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Vigils are planned across Australia, including in Alice Springs and major cities, as communities come together to mourn the child.
In accordance with Indigenous cultural protocols, the use of the deceased child’s real name and image has been restricted, as such practices are believed to disturb the spirit during mourning without family consent.