The Cook Labor government has announced a coronial inquest into the Department of Child Protection’s (DCP) role in the deaths of three Indigenous children from South Hedland, following mounting political pressure over alleged neglect. The announcement came on Thursday, nearly nine weeks after the deaths of siblings Jamelia, 10, Arndan, seven, and Kelvin Hawke, four months, brought renewed scrutiny to systemic failures in child welfare services.

Attorney-General Tony Buti exercised his authority to order the inquiry amid calls for accountability from the children’s family and community. Their grandmother, Ms. Papertalk, described the inquest as essential to uncovering “all the secrets” and ensuring future protections for Indigenous children. “My grandies deserve this inquest because those innocent little sunshines should never have been left to die by the DCP,” she said, adding that she hopes the process will prevent similar tragedies.

Internal documents leaked earlier revealed that the South Hedland DCP had ignored repeated warnings from the local police about the children’s welfare over several years. Police and housing reports described the living environment as deplorable, characterized by chronic neglect and violence linked to their mother, Margaret Hawke, who struggled with methamphetamine addiction and was a victim of abuse by multiple partners.

Significantly, just eight days before the children’s deaths, police reported a violent incident where Ms. Hawke assaulted her daughter with a rock, urging DCP intervention. Despite these warnings, the department took no action. This apparent neglect has sparked public outrage and calls for a thorough review of child protection protocols in the region.

Western Australia’s Minister for Child Protection, Jessica Stojkovski, and Premier Roger Cook have backed the department’s senior leadership amid criticism. The DCP director-general, whose salary is reported to be $504,000 annually, has largely remained out of public view during the crisis. Premier Cook defended the director-general’s performance, acknowledging the difficulty of the role but expressing confidence in his work and that of the entire department.

When questioned about whether the director-general should be dismissed over the perceived failures to protect Indigenous children in the Pilbara region, Cook responded unequivocally that sacking was not warranted. He also rejected suggestions that his presence on the ground in Port Hedland was necessary at this stage, noting that his travels across regional Western Australia include oversight of various issues statewide. Nonetheless, Cook assured that he plans to visit Port Hedland soon.

The inquest is expected to examine the department’s handling of the case thoroughly and evaluate systemic issues contributing to ongoing risks faced by Indigenous children in vulnerable communities. The Hawke family’s loss has sparked broader discussions on child protection in Western Australia, keeping the spotlight on government responsibilities and reforms needed in the sector.