Policy
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Queensland steps up efforts in the child protection space following allegations
Freya Lucas
Aug 21, 2023
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The Queensland Government has stepped up efforts to ensure all children are protected from child predators, bringing in “a swathe of proposed new measures” to further protect children from abuse, and to better detect paedophiles in organisations which work with children.
Child Safety Minister Craig Crawford has publicly released the 140-page “Growing Child Safe Organisations in Queensland” report and consultation paper, seeking feedback from thousands of organisations across the state including schools, churches and sports clubs.All Queenslanders are being asked for their input on a proposal to implement nationally-consistent Child Safe Standards and a Reportable Conduct Scheme in Queensland.
Under the preferred model, a single, independent oversight body would be established to help organisations implement 10 new child safe standards and handle child abuse complaints and allegations as part of a reportable conduct scheme.
It comes with the tabling of the Queensland Government’s fifth and final annual report on the implementation of recommendations from the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
“Parents expect when their child goes to school, sport or church that they are in a safe place,” Mr Crawford said.
“These proposed measures tie in with efforts nationally to fix gaps and create consistency with child safe standards. They’d reduce the risk of potential offenders moving between sectors to evade detection, and lead to better sharing of intelligence with other regulators, authorities and jurisdictions.”
“The impact of maltreatment on every child is unique, but what is clear is every case has an enormous toll on victims, families and communities.”
Queenslanders can provide their feedback on the consultation paper which can be found here.
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