Shocking story emerges as child found in ‘cage’ at worksite
A child who was allegedly found in a cage at an industrial site was there as their father was unable to send them to daycare.
NT WorkSafe and Territory Families, Housing and Communities were alerted about the safety concern of the child on May 16 after NT Police attended the Stuart Hwy worksite.
NT Police had received reports that a young child had been secured in inappropriate conditions in a custom-made makeshift enclosure at a worksite.
The child is believed to be aged between two and three.
Sky News reported the father, who fixes cars for a living, had been given permission to bring his child onto the worksite.
The man, who reportedly is unable to miss a day of work, had to resort to having his child at his workplace after being unable to find a suitable daycare centre.
The man’s boss has hit back at claims the child was being kept in a cage, claiming the makeshift pen was for safety.
“We have an industrial business,” the man said.
“If you have a child here, they must be safe.”
Images from inside the workshop show a makeshift playpen with mats covering the concrete and toys scattered across the area.
It is understood the child has since been offered a place at a daycare centre.
Territory Families, Housing and Communities spokeswoman told NewsWire the department was “aware of this matter and are looking into it”.
“The safety of children is our top priority, and we take seriously any allegation of child harm,” the spokeswoman said.
“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.
“We work with children, families, communities, police and relevant agencies to assess and respond to any reports of suspected harm to children.”
NT WorkSafe Inspectors have started their inquiry into the incident.
