Young child allegedly found locked in cage on Northern Territory worksite
Alarming reports of a child being kept in a cage at an industrial site in the Northern Territory are being investigated by authorities.
Territory Families and NT WorkSafe have confirmed they were alerted to the horrifying allegations relating to the treatment of a child believed to be aged around two to three-years-old earlier this month, according to NT News.
The child was reportedly being held in a custom-made makeshift ‘secure enclosure’ that witnesses have described as a cage at a Stuart Highway worksite.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.A Territory Families, Housing and Communities spokesperson said the safety of children was its top priority, any allegation of child harm is taken seriously.
“In the Northern Territory, you must report your concerns if you believe a child is being, or has been, harmed or abused, this includes police who can report suspected harm to our department,” the spokesperson said in a statement.
“We work with children, families, communities, police and relevant agencies to assess and respond to any reports of suspected harm to children.
“We are aware of this matter and are looking into it.”
NT Worksafe said it was alerted to the allegations on May 16 when NT Police raised a safety concern after reports that “a young child had been secured in inappropriate conditions at a worksite”.
Worksafe Inspectors have begun an inquiry into the incident.
NT Police declined to comment.
