Meanwhile, Health Department honcho, David Ashbridge, has told his staff to brace themselves for inquiries which are focusing attention on the department and the NT Families and Children Department . Apart from coronial probes there is the public inquiry ordered by Minister, Malarndirri McCarthy , which will report back by next April. The NT's Children's Commissioner, Dr Howard Bath , involved in this inquiry, is also conducting a separate review of certain aspects of child protection which is expected to be presented next month.
Ashbridge said the intensive focus on the workings of NTFC would place a significant administrative burden on both the division and the department at large. " Your cooperation with these inquiries will be appreciated. The department is committed to offering appropriate support - whether professional, personal or legal - to staff affected by the demands and obligations of these inquiries." (Little Darwin understands some high powered counsel has been engaged ).
In recent weeks, Ashbridge wrote, there has been considerable media coverage of incidents related to child protection. This coverage had not always been accurate or balanced in representing the issues, causing distress to some staff as well as community members close to these events.
Present and former staff would be providing evidence to the inquest beginning on Monday , he added, and pointed out that the department was not able to respond to media inquiries during a legal event such as a coronial inquest, and as a result no public comment would be be made.
