Forum to focus on NT child rights

Health and law experts will discuss the rights of children in the Northern Territory at two events, hosted by Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University’s School of Law.

CDU senior law lecturer Felicity Gerry QC said youth justice, family violence, trauma and healthcare access would be among issues raised during the Child Rights Forum this month.

“With the NT’s child protection and detention systems under a national spotlight, there is no better time to discuss ways to enhance the rights and wellbeing of our children,” Ms Gerry said.

She said acclaimed paediatrician Professor Kim Mulholland, who has decades of experience in researching and evaluating new vaccines in the developing world, would present a keynote at the forum.

Ms Gerry will discuss a project for children with mental disabilities, followed by a panel of experts, including: NT Assistant Children’s Commissioner Nicole Butler, Member for Karama Ngaree Ah Kit, Central Australian Aboriginal Legal Aid Service youth justice advocacy project coordinator Antoinette Carroll, and Jesuit Social Services NT general manager Jared Sharp.

The Child Rights Forum will be held on Monday, 27 February from 2pm until 4pm at the CDU Theatre, Building Orange 3, Casuarina campus.

The following day (Tuesday, 28 February), euthanasia expert Professor Colleen Cartwright will present a keynote at the Health and Law Research Workshop and Student Showcase from 9am until 5pm in Room 01, Building Blue 5, Casuarina campus. 

For more information, visit Menzies’ Events and Seminars webpage at W: menzies.edu.au/page/News_and_Events/Events__Seminars/