Western Australia is experiencing a child safety crisis. Here’s what would help

David Gray/Getty One of Australia’s most resource-rich regions, South Hedland in Western Australia, sits alongside a mining industry generating enormous wealth.

This is in stark contrast to persistent social and economic disadvantage affecting parts of the local community, particularly among Aboriginal residents.

Much of this disadvantage has made headlines recently.

Multiple media outlets are reporting a child safety crisis has emerged in the area.

Reports have focused on local tragedies, including the deaths of three children in 2022, and revelations about a reported “ hellhole house ” in Frisby Court where up to 15 children have reportedly been living with no adult supervision, in squalid conditions.

But the language of crisis implies something unexpectedly sudden.

It suggests we were unaware of the issues, or what was needed to address them.

Yet Aboriginal women in the Pilbara were describing the conditions placing children at risk six years ago.

They also offered solutions, but the response has not matched the level of need.

Dire warnings In 2020, Aboriginal women told us about concerns in South Hedland.

Throughout the Pilbara, Aboriginal women spoke to the Australian Human Rights Commission as part of the Wiyi Yani U Thangani (Women’s Voices) project , led by former Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner June Oscar.

South Hedland women described substance abuse, family and domestic violence, mental health concerns, racism, unemployment and housing issues.

They also spoke about children’s safety being compromised at times, with girls sometimes running away and wandering the streets alone.

Women in South Hedland called for practical responses, including a holistic healing centre for men who perpetrate violence and better access to substance abuse services.