Northern Territory Consolidated Acts Northern Territory Consolidated Acts36. Applications, &c.
(1) Before making an application under this Part in relation to a child, the Minister shall satisfy himself or herself that the welfare of the child would not be adequately provided for by some other means.
(2) Where the Minister intends to make an application under this Part, he or she shall give notice in writing -
(a) to the parents, guardians or persons having the custody of the child in relation to whom the application is intended to be made; and
(b) where the child has attained the age of 10 years, to the child,
which shall include -
(c) a copy of the application endorsed with particulars of the time, date and place of the hearing of the application; and
(d) a statement of the requirements of this Act, including requirements as to the attendance of the parents, guardians or persons having the custody of the child at the hearing of the application.
(3) Where, for the purposes of subsection (2), the parents, guardians or persons having the custody of the child in relation to whom an application is intended to be made cannot, after reasonable enquiry, be found, the Minister shall state to the Court the means by which their whereabouts was investigated.
(4) In an application under this Part in relation to a child, the Minister, the child and the parents, guardians or persons having the custody of the child are, or shall be deemed to be, parties to the application.