Calls grow for action after reports of child-on-child assaults in Queensland childcare services

Concerns are mounting over the handling of child-on-child sexual assaults in Queensland childcare services, following reports of two separate incidents involving very young children.

Premier David Crisafulli has called for stronger ministerial accountability after Queensland’s Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek initially declined to comment on the allegations. On Saturday evening, Mr Langbroek issued a statement acknowledging the distressing nature of the incidents and pledging that the Department of Education would treat the cases with “the utmost sensitivity”.

Queensland’s Early Childhood Regulatory Authority is investigating both incidents. While the childcare services involved are privately operated, Mr Langbroek said that appropriate action would still be taken if required.

Child protection advocate Hetty Johnston, founder of Safeguarding People Australia, has urged urgent reform, arguing that many educators lack the training needed to recognise and respond to signs of child-on-child sexual assault. Ms Johnston warned that many such incidents may go unreported because staff are not equipped to understand or manage them.

“The safety of children must be paramount, and this includes ensuring that educators know what signs to look for and how to respond appropriately,” Ms Johnston said.

In both cases reported to The Courier-Mail, the families alleged that after raising concerns with the childcare centres involved, they received limited communication and no clear resolution. In one case, a father said his young son was left injured after an alleged assault. In another case, a father reported that his daughter disclosed an incident during a bath at home, leaving the family traumatised and still seeking answers nearly two years later.

The Queensland Police Service has confirmed awareness of both matters, although criminal proceedings are difficult due to the young ages of the children involved.

The incidents come as Queensland continues its broader inquiry into child safety, the System Response to Child Sexual Abuse review, led by Child and Family Commissioner Luke Twyford. The review will examine safety protocols within childcare environments.

Premier Crisafulli confirmed that discussions are underway to secure future funding for the Early Childhood Regulatory Authority beyond 2026, after concerns were raised during the cabinet budget process.

“We want Queensland parents to have absolute confidence that their children are safe in early learning settings,” Mr Crisafulli said.

Advocates, including Ms Johnston, are also calling for the establishment of dedicated child and family advocacy centres, offering a coordinated response to families affected by incidents of sexual harm.

This article was originally published by The Courier-Mail. Read the original here.