An investigation into a contentious out-of-home care provider in the Northern Territory has found Tasmanian children involved in the program are safe and well.
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Communities Tasmania instigated a review into the Many Colours One Direction program after allegations of dubious practices and questions over the identity of principle indigenous practitioner Allan Brahminy.
Human Services Minister Roger Jaensch released a report on the review on Tuesday that included four recommendations, which he said the government would adopt.
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These were to provide additional support to children at MC1D, allow for independent monitoring and oversight, establish a similar program to MC1D in Tasmania by June 30 next year, and develop a strategy for media reporting on vulnerable children.
The government has previously said media reporting on allegations surrounding the program and Mr Brahminy had affected the six Tasmanian children in MC1D.
The report stated that children had told the reviewers they felt loved and safe.
It said the children had gained some insight into their negative behaviours.
Mr Brahminy claimed to have been left on a riverbank as a baby by his biological mother and raised by an Aboriginal family, though this has been disputed by some who know him
Mr Jaensch said the review was more focussed on the wellbeing of the Tasmanian children in the program and its suitability rather than the identity and credibility of Mr Brahminy.
He said the report detailed statements Mr Brahminy had made about his history.
"Our investigation hasn't revealed any evidence that Mr Brahminy has done anything illegal or fraudulent," Mr Jaensch said.
"We have no reason to doubt that he is a suitable person to be running this program."
Labor child safety spokesman Josh Willie said the report confirmed more oversight of the program had been needed.
"Had there not been public scrutiny and media reporting around this issue, no action would have been taken," he said.
He said Labor would hold the government to account on a recommendation for the establishment of a program similar to MC1D in Tasmania.
"It is firmly our view that Tasmanian at-risk kids should be cared for within Tasmania," Mr Willie said.
Greens leader Cassy O'Connor said said through making a recommendation for a Tasmanian-based bush therapy program, the department had found it was not tenable to continue to use the MC1D.
"The report makes it clear that the Tasmanian Government is going to have to come up with a homegrown solution," she said.
"We can do so much better by these kids."
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Political reporter for Australian Community Media, based in Hobart.
Political reporter for Australian Community Media, based in Hobart.
